The first delivery of the French EDA-R landing craft project equipped with the new MJP 650 CSUI jets was successfully completed and the vessel was recently handed over to the French Navy. The jet installation is unique in the respect that a pair of Waterjets is controlled via a single steering and reversing column.
The hydraulics is arranged inboard above the jet and is therefore well protected and watertight and allows for easy access and service. Furthermore, the new steering and reversing buckets result in extremely good reversing performance. The new MJP 650 CSUI has been well received with excellent feedback and interest from the market.
For this reason, MJP has decided to develop a single drive version building on the same successful principle. The geometrical shape of the steering and reversing buckets are identical to the first double CSUI. Steering and reversing is controlled by means of a shaft similar to a traditional rudder stock, while the hydraulic system is located inside the hull as with traditional steering machinery. There are no external hydraulic hoses, nor are there any through transom pistons, hydraulic actuators or seals that are exposed to growth or wear. Barnacles, for instance, can thus not jeopardize the water tightness of the hull. The steering and reversing column can be customized and extended in order to fit specific hull designs.
All traditional MJP CSU jets are now available in the new single CSUI version as well.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, January 11, 2012; Image: MJP