Rotary Vane Gear

The principle of the Rotary Vane system

The rudder stock is fitted with the rotor which is keyed to it. The stator is
secured to the ship’s structure. In the annular space between rotor and stator
there are Fixed vanes & Rotary vanes. Fixed vanes are located equidistantly
round the inside of the stator. Rotary vanes are located equidistantly round
the outside of the rotor. This combination forms two sets of pressure
chambers to which hydraulic fluid line is connected. Fluid is delivered under
pressure to either of these pressure chambers thus turning the rudder.

Normally the unit is fitted with three rotary and three fixed vanes which
permits a working rudder angle of 70°, i.e. 35° port to 35° starboard. The
vanes also act as rudder stopper.

The pump delivering the hydraulic medium is drive by a continuously

running electric motor.

Duplicate motors and pumps are normally provided one set being for stand-
by duty.