RENK gearbox for the F 126

Electric traction motors for Frigates of the German Navye

The general contractor Damen Naval and RENK have signed a contract for the supply of gearboxes and electric drives for the Class 126 frigates.

RENK / Augsburg is thus continuing its cooperation with the German Navy. For example, the predecessor classes F125 and F124 were already equipped with RENK gear units. RENK also has a long-standing partnership with Damen Naval, for example in the construction of frigates and offshore patrol vessels for the navies of the Netherlands, Mexico, Morocco and Indonesia.

An important difference between the future F126 and older frigates will be the new propulsion system: it will ensure a top speed of over 26 knots thanks to a combined diesel-electric drive (CODLAD, combined diesel electric and diesel).

RENK gearbox for the F 126

The diesel engine is connected to each of the two drive shafts at the same time. In addition to the gearbox, RENK also supplies the Advanced Electric Drive (AED), i.e. the electric traction motors. The units can then act on the propellers individually or together. This propulsion concept is being used for the first time in the German Navy.

The CODLAD configuration combines power density, noise reduction through elastic bearings and flexible coupling as well as low weight and low installation height. The second evolutionary stage is now being installed on the frigates 126. This will reduce noise levels to below the specifications of the German Navy. This should make it more difficult to detect the new frigates.

Damen Naval will deliver the approximately 166 metre long frigates to the German Navy as the main contractor together with its subcontractors Blohm + Voss and Thales. The ships will be built entirely in Germany, at shipyards in Wolgast, Kiel and Hamburg. The first ship is due to be handed over in Hamburg in 2028. There is a contractually agreed option for two further frigates.