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Avio Aero to supply GE LM2500+G4 gas turbine to power Italy's eighth FREMM frigate

December 16, 2014

Rivalta di Torino (Italy), December 16, 2014 – Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business, will provide one LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine to the Italian Navy’s eighth FREMM frigate.

Through Avio Aero, at least 17 LM2500+G4 gas turbines are expected to provide propulsion for the Italian-French-Moroccan FREMM program, which includes eight ships each for the Italian and French navies and one ship for the Royal Moroccan Navy. 

According to Avio Aero’s Giulio Ranzo, Strategic Marketing & Product Leadership, “Avio Aero has long been a proud partner with the Italian Navy, assembling and servicing GE LM2500 and LM2500+G4 gas turbine modules that power our country’s Cavour aircraft carrier and the Italian-French-Moroccan FREMM frigates. In total, GE LM2500 gas turbines power seven Italian Navy ship classes.”

For the FREMM program, Avio Aero assembles the gas turbine into a propulsion module produced in Brindisi. Avio Aero propulsion system includes a sophisticated turbine control system entirely developed and manufactured by Avio Aero and the gas turbine auxiliaries. Today Avio Aero is already supporting services on the installed units.

We are in the midst of an international LM2500 repair project in Brindisi via a multi-year overhaul and repair contract with the Royal Canadian Navy. This project will ensure long-term employment for our talented technical staff in this region of Italy and is a great opportunity for Avio Aero to apply leading-edge gas turbine technologies for customers worldwide” Ranzo concluded.

About GE in Italy

GE is a longstanding partner in Italy, employing more than 12,000 individuals. At its facility in Brindisi alone, GE’s Avio Aero business produces 20% of the worldwide LM2500 engine components. The LM2500 is GE’s most popular gas turbine used by 33 international navies and in countless marine and industrial applications. The Brindisi facility also serves as GE’s Center of Excellence for the overhaul and repair of GE’s LM2500 family of gas turbines, and will soon add overhaul capabilities for GE’s LM6000 gas turbine, supporting both marine and industrial engine customers worldwide.

About GE Marine

GE Marine, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine products and services, including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 6,000 to 70,275 shaft horsepower. For more information, visit www.ge.com/marine.

 About Avio Aero

Avio Aero is a GE Aviation business working on the design, production and maintenance of components and systems for the civil and military aeronautics industry. Avio Aero is the centre of excellence for the entire General Electric group in the field of mechanical transmissions and low pressure turbines. Italy is home to the main headquarters and important plants in Turin, Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples) and Brindisi. Worldwide it employees 4700 people (about 4000 in Italy) and has production plants in Poland, Brazil and China. Avio Aero’s origins date back to 1908 and for more than a century the company has led the way in numerous technological challenges. Its ongoing investment in research and development combined with a solid working relationship with leading international universities and research centres has enabled Avio Aero to develop technological and manufacturing excellence recognised at global level: a result proven by the partnerships entered into with the leading worldwide operators in the aeronautics industry.