Steering gear

Rotary vane steering gear for smaller vessels

The SR series is designed

with integrated frequency
controlled pumps.

General description
Rolls-Royce supplies a complete range of steering gear, suitable for
all types and sizes of ships. The products are designed as c­ omplete
steering systems with the actuator, power pack, steering ­control,
alarm and rudder angle indicating system in mind, and can
­therefore be delivered with complete control systems, including
control panels with start/stop, non-follow-up and follow-up, mode
selection, alarm panels and rudder angle indicators or just a portion
of this. The system is also prepared for interface to VDR, ships main
alarm system, autopilot, joystick and DP when requested. Due to a
wide range of demands, great care has been taken from material
selection through construction, in order to meet the strictest q­ uality
demands.

Key product benefits Typical applications:

• Compact
• Low weight
• Easy installation
• Easy maintenance
• High positioning accuracy
• No external moving parts
• Up to 70º rudder angle
• Available with steering
­control and rudder angle
indicators as one complete
system
• Built-in rudder carrier
• Polymer sealings internally
for optimal tightness
• Simple and robust
­components
• Work boats
• Fishing vessels
• Offshore supply vessels
• Chemical/product tankers
• LPG tankers
• Smaller naval & coastguard vessels and ­auxiliaries
• Smaller cargo vessels
• Smaller passenger vessels
• Yachts

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The Rolls-Royce series of rotary vane steering gears has been
manufactured for more than 60 years, with more than 30 000
machines delivered. The principle of a rotary vane gives more
­flexibility when choosing the design and types of rudder, thanks
to the rudder angles of up to 2 x 70º. ­
smaller machines). The naval series of rotary vane steering gear
is designed to meet the highest standards for noise, shock and
vibration. For naval applications without Milspec requirements
the SR & RV ranges offer reliability and maintainability at low cost
for a wide range of applications.

The rotary vane principle also ensures a constant torque
­throughout the steering sequence, providing the gear with
­maximum power output at all rudder angles. This makes
­navigation through narrow straits or busy shipping channels
safer, b­ ecause maximum torque and steering time can always be
achieved, resulting in improved manoeuvrability and improved
control. U ­ nique technical solutions ensure very low noise and
vibration levels. The compact and simple design reduces weight
and the number of components, which in turn secures fast and
easy i­ nstallation of the steering gear. The actuators are ­mounted
directly on the rudder stock, without requiring the use of keys
or keyways, facilitating easier assembly and dismantling of the
­rudder stock. The rudder torque is transmitted by hydraulic
coupling or by hydraulic sleeve coupling/expansion rings (for the
The SR series of steering gear
The SR series is suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. The
steering gear is designed with integrated frequency controlled
pumps. The pump utilises a reversible hydraulic pump ­motor
together with a frequency converter to reduce the power
consumption and to change the speed and the direction of the
pump. The design gives smooth starting and stopping of the
steering gear, and enables a precise analogue control system.
The pump units are mounted directly on the rudder ­actuator,
which lessens the need for piping work on board a vessel.
Full frequency control means the pumps and motors are only
running when a steering command is given, this reduces the
amount of heat generated and leads to a cleaner hydraulic
­system, improving the lifetime of components.

1 2 3 1. Unique technical solutions

minimise n
­ oise and vibration
levels.

2. The pump units are mounted

directly on the rudder actuator.

3. Red indicates pressurised oil.

Green indicates return oil.

Std. rudder Max. Max. Max. Weight Max. Max.

stock working working mechanical approx. radial axial
TYPE dia. (mm) pressure (bar) torque (kNm) rudder angle (deg) (kg) load (kN) load (kN)
SR562L 120 54 16 2 x 61 400 175 104
SR562 160 133 40 2 x 61 400 175 104
SR622 200 125 70 2 x 71,5 620 400 200
SR642 240 125 110 2 x 72 920 600 250
SR662 280 125 170 2 x 72 1800 700 354
SR722 300 125 275 2 x 72 2750 855 370
SR723 320 125 412 2 x 44 2800 855 370
SR742 340 125 433 2 x 72 3700 1400 480
SR743 360 125 650 2 x 44 3750 1400 480
*All rights reserved. All data subject to change without prior notice.

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Rudders

Classic rudders

Type CB
for lower speeds
A bulbous profile and large vane end plates
improve low speed manoeuvrability. It shares
the same profile as the FB flap rudder and
is typically used for offshore supply, cargo,
fishing and seismic vessels.

Options:
• Heel connection module
• Wire guard

Classic rudder
The classic rudder series, with no rudder angle limitation and
­optimised profile designs, provides an economical way of
­improving the manoeuvring capabilities of most vessels. To meet
each vessels requirements, we offer tailored solutions that can be
integrated as a package together with Rolls-Royce steering gear
or as an integral part of the PROMAS – Propulsion manoeuvring
­system. Furthermore, with few moving parts it is also easy to
install and maintain. This ensures your vessel will have optimal
reliability, excellent manoeuvrability and low life cycle costs.
For transit speeds the directional stability of the vessel must
be ­considered, we have developed and use advanced computer
­programs to simulate different manoeuvres such as the IMO
­criteria (zig-zag test), making it possible to evaluate different
­rudder sizes and types in order to optimise the rudder design for
each vessel.

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 Type CM
for medium speeds
The profile is optimised to provide good
manoeuvrability with propulsive efficiency,
with a tapered or rectangular blade,
meeting the rudder needs of passenger
and cargo vessels. Ideal for use on passenger
vessels and cargo vessels.

Options:
• Twisted leading edge
• Wire guard

1 "Rudder Periodic Table" in principle 2

FB rudder
Increased manoeuvrability

Flap rudder with

bulbous profile
FM rudder
Flap rudder with
FS rudder
medium profile
Flap rudder with
slim profile

CB rudder 1. Rudder performance ­comparison, based on same area and aspect

Classic rudder with
bulbous profile rudders in similar conditions.
CM rudder
Classic rudder with
medium profile
CS rudder 2. Rudder designs are optimised in accordance with propeller and hull
Classic rudder with
slim profile characteristics, in order to meet owner requirements for efficiency and
Estimated equal rudder area Increased propulsive efficiency manoeuvrability.

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Rudders

Classic rudders

Type CS
for higher speeds
The slim profile increases overall
­propulsive efficiency and reduces
­cavitation risk. The blade is tapered
with rounded corners. It has the
same profile as the FS flap rudder.
Ideal for use on passenger vessels,
cruise ships, cargo carriers and high
speed vessels.

Options:
• Twisted leading edge
• Wire guard

Key product benefits Available options:

• Easy installation • Steering gear foundation
• Easy maintenance • In-water-survey
• Custom-built to fit hull • Automatic lubrication system
• Optimal performance • Cathodic corrosion protection
• Suits all steering gear • Custom rudder trunk
• Heel connection module
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• Hydraulic nut for steering gear
• Water lubricated bearing
• Ice class
• Special bearings
• Stainless steel liners
• Wire guard
Rudders

Flap rudders

Type FB
for low to medium speeds
This rudder has a bulbous profile for
maximum manoeuvring performance. The
design also has large upper and lower vane
plates. It is ideal for use on workboats, fishing
vessels, offshore vessels, small tankers, cargo
vessels, ferries and other coastal vessels.

Options:
• Heel connection module
• Wire guard

Flap rudders
Our flap rudder series provides both excellent low speed
­manoeuvring performance and high propulsive efficiency. A Flap
rudder produces more sideforce than a classic rudder of equivalent
size. Depending on shipowner requirements, a flap rudder may
be used to reduce the overall area of a rudder whilst maintaining
equal lift forces or may be used whenever there is a requirement
for high manoeuvrability. Therefore a good understanding of
­Shipowner requirements is vital when designing a rudder.
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As a supplier of both r­ udders and propellers, Rolls-Royce uses
­experience in cavitation ­prediction and hydrodynamics, generated
from in-house model testing and in collaboration with leading
European test centres, in order to optimise and document the
­manoeuvring performance of our rudders at low speeds. The
­r­udders can also be ­optimised for higher speeds and the ­leading
edge of the rudder can be twisted to improve the efficiency and
cavitation characteristics of the rudder.
Rudders

Flap rudders

Type FM
for medium speeds
Designed with a moderate profile
for enhanced manoeuvrability and
propulsive efficiency. Ideal for use on
passenger vessels and cargo vessels.

Options:
• Twisted leading edge
• Wire guard

1 2

1. The leading edge of the medium and slim rudders can be twisted
to improve efficiency and cavitation performance and to improve the
­manoeuvring performance of the rudder at low-speeds.

2. Trunk type: extended, with steering gear foundation or standard.

Designed for minimum installation time and cost. The ­extended trunk is
available with or without fairwater/shell plating.

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 Type FS
for medium to high speeds
A slim profile that is purpose-designed to suit
the vessel. The rudder is built around a cast
cone module and has a robust link mechanism
and hinge system to withstand the high forces.
It is also an ideal all-round flap rudder suitable
for a wide range of vessel types.

Options:
• Twisted leading edge
• Wire guard

Key product benefits Available options:

• Easy installation • Steering gear foundation
• Easy maintenance • In-water-survey
• Custom-built to fit hull • Automatic lubrication system
• Optimal performance • Cathodic corrosion protection
• Suits all steering gear • Custom rudder trunk
• Heel connection module
• Hydraulic nut for steering
gear
• Water lubricated bearing
• Ice class
• Special bearings
• Stainless steel liners
• Wire guard

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