GRC43m Global Response Cutter Wake-Adapted Propellers and Struts

Name: GRC43m Global Response Cutter Wake-Adapted Propellers and Struts
Brand: Michigan Wheel

Wake-adapted Michigan Wheel propellers, struts and rudders for Westport's 143 ft GRC43m composite security vessel, designed with CFD for 32+ knots, lower vibration and no erosive cavitation on strut and rudder.

Description

Michigan Wheel supplied wake-adapted propellers, struts and rudders for the GRC43m Global Response Cutter, a 143 ft composite security vessel built by Westport in Westport, Washington for missions such as maritime defense, rescue, drug interdiction and coastal security.

Design

Michigan Wheel worked with Maritime Research Associates and MTU America to perform CFD analysis of the hull wake. Propeller blades have custom pitch, camber and chord distribution based on predicted inflow, and the struts and rudders are twisted along their spans to match it, maximizing thrust while minimizing drag, vibration and erosive cavitation. Propellers and struts are produced by high-quality casting and precision CNC machining.

Vessel data

Length: 143 ft
Full load displacement: 212 long tons
Speed: over 32 knots

Results

Significant estimated fuel savings versus commercial off-the-shelf propulsion hardware
Flank speed estimated to increase by almost 1 knot
Erosive cavitation eliminated on strut and rudder
Noise and vibration pressure pulses estimated to decrease in amplitude by 40%

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