2008-07-09 18:08:07 -
www.drs.com - DRS Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: DRS) announced today that it has successfully completed full-power testing, as required by the U.S. Navy, of its power-dense Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) and drive at the U.S. Navy's Integrated Power System (IPS) Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Engineering, design and development of the motor and drive were contracted
to DRS as part of the DD(X) destroyer, now DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class Multi-Mission Surface Combatant, Engineering Development Model (EDM) program for inclusion into the IPS testing program.
DRS' Permanent Magnet Motor provides 36.5 megawatts (approximately 50,000 horsepower) and over two million foot-pounds of torque in a dual-ring design. During testing, the motor ran at full power on a single ring at 18.25 megawatts, the maximum load available at the Land-Based Test Site. This test validated the thermal and electrical operation of the motor and drive.
This milestone achievement validates that the company's Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a viable alternative for naval ship propulsion applications. DRS' Permanent Magnet Motor technology offers several benefits and advantages to the Navy over conventional ship propulsion systems, including high power density resulting in lower weight and volume than traditional motors, increased operating efficiency resulting in fuel savings, increased power and improved performance.
DRS has now embarked on an enhanced design of the motor, which incorporates lessons learned from the EDM testing. The company's evolutionary motor design will provide additional benefits to the Navy, including lower weight, decreased volume and greater performance.
"The validation of Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a significant milestone for the Navy and DRS," said Roger N. Sexauer, II, president of DRS' Power Systems business. "The completion of this test and our improved PMM motor design now provide the Navy with the confidence that the substantial weight, volume, cost and performance advantages of PMM technology can be realized in future ship designs."
Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a key component of next-generation all-electric drive ship systems. All-electric ships with integrated power systems allow an electric generation plant to supply sufficient power for all the ship's electrical requirements, including advanced weapons launch, combat and sonar systems, ship's maneuver and propulsion, among other power needs. DRS' Permanent Magnet Motor technology is applicable for all military electric drive propulsion systems and platforms, including the DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class Multi-Mission Combatant, CG(X) next-generation cruisers, submarines, mobile landing platforms and commercial marine applications.
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company employs approximately 10,000 people. For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's web site at www.drs.com.
DRS Technologies, Inc.
Richard M. Goldberg, 973-451-3584
Vice President, Public Affairs
goldberg@drs.com
or
Patricia M. Williamson, 973-898-6025
Vice President, Investor Relations
p.williamson@drs.com