U. S. Navy Marine Gas Turbine Qualification Testing for the 21st Century
Two primary topics are addressed in this paper: 1. A brief record of the evolution of U. S. Navy (USN) gas turbine qualification and testing requirements that helped produce the successful engines now in service and 2. Examination of these requirements in light of current and projected defense budgets resulting from changes in the world over the past twenty-five years. The paper proposes changes in the current methods the USN employs in qualifying its gas turbines for surface ship applications. The proposed alternate methods consider commercial testing and service experience as well as testing based on MIL-E-17341 requirements. Finally, the marine gas turbine community is invited to begin a dialogue on the feasibility of these alternate methods.