Propulsion system of Republic of Korea naval vessels and prospects for future changes: A Review

Abstract

This paper reviews the development and changes in the propulsion systems of naval vessels in the Republic of Korea(ROK), consid-ering the capabilities required for recent vessels and examines the characteristics required for the propulsion systems of the future naval vessels. The history of warships can be divided into three distinct periods: the age of galleys, which used manpower, hand-to-hand combat, and ram; the age of sails, which used wind power, redundant space and cannons; and the age of steam, which began with steam engines and ironclad. The history of ROK naval vessels, which began in the age of steam, was relatively short. However, after the US assistance period and independent national defense capability period, the ROK Navy, which is preparing for an oceanic navy, has many vessels with advanced technology. In this process, the ROK Navy gained operational expertise and technical capabilities for various engines and propulsion systems and is now preparing to respond to the future changes. The conventional relationship in which the propulsion system affects the weapon system has been reversed in modern times, and now the propulsion system will be changed to an electric propulsion system to support the weapon system. In this process, the operational performance and environmental requirements are simultaneously satisfied. The declining population also affects the number of vessel crews, and to overcome this issue, system advancement, system integration, and space integration based on automation and unmanned technology will be carried out. In the process of upgrading the system, real-time monitoring and data-sharing functions on the main devices, such as engines between the vessels and the ground support units, will be added, and vessels will be managed remotely. Furthermore, military actions and concerns about the environment and global warming will continue to be emphasized, and vessels that use fossil fuels are expected reduce fuel usage, use alternative fuels, and actively apply measures to reduce greenhouse gases.