Case Study: GasTOPS cuts simulation time by two‑thirds and validates USS Makin Island propulsion with MathWorks MATLAB and Simulink

GasTOPS Develops and Tests Propulsion Control Algorithms for the USS Makin Island

GasTOPS was tasked with developing and testing the machinery control system (MCS) and propulsion control algorithms for the U.S. Navy’s hybrid-electric amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island. The challenge was modeling a complex multidomain propulsion plant—two gas turbines, electric motors, diesel generators, and more than 10,000 I/O signals—and validating transitions between drive modes, fault responses, and onboard training requirements. To meet these needs, GasTOPS used MathWorks products, including MATLAB and Simulink (with Simscape Electrical, Stateflow, and Simulink Coder).

MathWorks’ Model-Based Design tools enabled GasTOPS to build reusable Simulink submodels, run parametric and fault simulations, and generate real-time code for hardware-in-the-loop testing and an onboard trainer. As a result, time-to-simulation was cut by two-thirds (from typical six months to about two months), key design issues—such as unexpected turbine power during cooldown—were identified early, models were reused across HIL and training systems, and the MCS is now in service aboard the USS Makin Island. MathWorks’ toolchain delivered measurable schedule savings, improved risk mitigation, and validated controller performance.

GasTOPS

Shaun Horning

Vice President of Technical & Engineering Services