Development of the General Electric LM 1500 Gas Turbine as a Marine Power Plant

Many unique advantages have stemmed from the use of aircraft-type gas turbine power plants in selected marine propulsion applications; and, as expected, special problems have arisen because of the marine environment, primarily in the areas of parts integrity resulting from cold and hot corrosion and performance deterioration due to compressor fouling. Sulfur in the fuel, together with sea salt in the fuel and combustion air, creates major problems. Programs directed to reduce the detrimental effects, and the results attained are described.