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Discusses the issues surrounding the selection of the transmission system for the different naval vessels types. Fast combatants; Conventional combatants; Naval auxiliaries; Minor war vessels; Operating profile and power demand; Propulsor and shaftline; Prime mover options; Electric propulsion transmission; Mechanical transmission; Transmission efficiency; Innovative solutions for future fast combatants.

The article reports that Anniston Army Depot in Alabama built the Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) by adding off-the-shelf equipment to an M1A1 Abrams battle tank. The Marine Corps recently delivered the first ABVs recently to southern Afghanistan. The Army donated excess tank parts from its inventory to create the ABV.

The article reports on the return of the Propulsion Examination Board (PEB) in the U.S. Navy. It notes that Naval Surface Force officials are reinstating the office in a bid to ensure that the engineering spaces of the ships are in good order. Lieutenant Commander Chris Servello states that the new PEB will still assume the responsibilities of the old PEB, one of which is making sure that crew makes appropriate use of their checklists before lighting off main engines. Servello adds that the start of the operations of the PEB is yet to be determined.

The article features the Sea Power Outdrive, a transom-mounted drive unit with a forward-mounted tractor propeller, from Western Gear Corp. in the U.S. The propeller is designed for small boats. It is surprisingly similar in concept to Inboard Performance System system of Volvo Penta for large boats.