U.S. Navy Shipboard Fleet Evaluation of the Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System and Full Authority Digital Control

Abstract

U.S. Navy and Rolls -Royce Allison have conducted a fleet evaluation of the Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System (RIMSS) and Full Authority Digital Control (FADC) installed aboard USS Porter (DDG 78), No. 2 Ship Service Gas Turbine Generator (SSGTG). The fleet evaluation has resulted in design, production and operational improvements, which would not have been quickly realized under normal implementation programs. A critical objective of the fleet evaluation demonstrated the system configuration and operational compatibility with existing shipboard environments over the course of a one-year period. This process evaluated the usability of the RIMSS and FADC interface by ships force and the performance of functions related to operation and troubleshooting. It also provided feedback from Navy users for improvements. This paper describes RIMSS and FADC fleet evaluation elements and the benefits derived from performing a fleet evaluation. Fleet evaluation findings aboard USS Porter have resulted in system improvements that were achieved prior to production. Cost savings to the U.S. Navy and the original equipment manufacturer will be realized through out the life cycle of the ships.