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A unique Reverse Reduction Gear system is being utilized on the U.S. NAVY AOE-6 Class ships. The AOE-6 is the first of (4) Fast Combat Support ships being built by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, Ca. The principal characteristics of the AOE-6 Class ships are as follows: Length Overall - 753 Feet 8.5 Inches Beam - 107 Feet Mean Draft (Full Load) - 37 Feet 10 Inches Displacement - 48,500 Long Tons Total Shaft Horsepower - 100,000 HP The ships are powered by (4) General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines, driving thru (2) main reduction gears manufactured by the Cincinnati Gear Co., to (2) shafts fitted with fixed pitch propellers. Each main reduction gear utilizes (2) SSS-TOSI Reversible Coupling Converters (RCC’s) to provide reversing and slow speed maneuvering capability for each propulsion shaft. The RCC is a fluid coupling/torque converter that has (26) insertable stator vanes positioned around the periphery of the rotor circuit. These stator vanes, when inserted, reverse fluid flow inside the RCC, and consequently reverse the direction of rotation of the RCC output (turbine) rotor. The RCC was tested extensively by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (formerly NAVSSES) in Philadelphia, Pa. This paper provides an overview of the RCC design and operating principles; highlights of the prior testing accomplished; and an informative brief that details the successful integration, operation, and performance of the RCC aboard these new U.S. Naval vessels. |
