At METStrade 2025, British manufacturer RAD Propulsion has introduced the RAD 120, an electric drive system crafted to cater to the increasing demand for high-power marine propulsion solutions.
This 120 kW electric drive marks a significant step for RAD Propulsion, expanding upon the success of its earlier RAD 40 system. The RAD 120 is intended for use in commercial, defence, and leisure marine vessels, offering high thrust levels along with zero-emission functionality.
The RAD 120 delivers 120 kW of continuous power, featuring RAD's characteristic compact design. Operating within a 350-450V range, it remains compatible with RAD's existing voltage architecture. The motor can achieve speeds up to 5000 RPM, with propeller speeds nearing 3000 RPM, accommodating a variety of maritime requirements.
Technical features
This advanced drive system includes several notable technical features:
- Enhanced thrust capabilities: The design supports propellers with large blade areas up to 17" in diametre, tailored for high-thrust applications across various vessel types.
- Installation flexibility: Offered in long and extra-long shaft length configurations to suit diverse hull designs, the system weighs 175 kg.
- Integrated steering: Incorporates 180° steering capability, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms.
- Modular battery integration: Compatible with a host of battery configurations, it recommends a minimum capacity of 61 kWh, with an ideal capacity of at least 122 kWh. It supports multi-battery setups, achieving a total capacity of up to 244 kWh and can interface with generators for hybrid applications.
- Plug-and-play design: Supplied ready for installation, it upholds RAD's focus on seamless integration.
- Versatile propeller options: Accommodating custom configurations, the design includes plans for five to ten standard propeller options, available in bronze or stainless steel, with three, four, and five-bladed styles for both left and right-hand options.
- Autonomy ready: Utilising the RADBus control architecture, like the RAD 40, it is fully fly-by-wire and offers autonomy interface documentation and support.
New era for RAD Propulsion
“The launch of the RAD 120 marks a new era for RAD Propulsion,” stated Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, adding “We’ve listened carefully to feedback from the marine industry and identified a clear need for scalable electric propulsion that doesn’t compromise on performance.”
He also noted, “The RAD 120 delivers the power, thrust and operational flexibility that commercial operators and boat builders have been asking for, while maintaining the installation simplicity and reliability that define our RAD 40 system. This is electric propulsion that's ready for the real-world demands of today’s marine sector.”
Reliable performance across diverse conditions
The RAD 120 is built for varied environments, operating in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +80°C, and functioning in seawater temperatures between 0°C and +35°C to ensure dependable performance.
RAD Propulsion has planned vessel trials at its UK facilities in Q1 2026.
At METStrade 2025, RAD Propulsion has launched the RAD 120, a new electric drive system designed to meet the growing demand for higher power marine propulsion solutions.
The 120 kW electric drive represents a key milestone for the British manufacturer, building on the proven success of its RAD 40 system to address applications requiring enhanced performance capabilities. The RAD 120 is engineered for commercial, defence and leisure vessels, providing high thrust and zero-emission operation.
Delivering 120 kW of continuous power, the RAD 120 has RAD's signature compact form factor. The system operates on 350-450V, maintaining compatibility with RAD's existing voltage architecture, and offers motor speeds up to 5000 RPM with propeller speeds of approximately 3000 RPM.
Technical features
Key technical features of the RAD 120 include:
- Enhanced thrust capabilities: The drive can accept very large blade area propellers up to 17" diametre, enabling high-thrust applications across diverse vessel types
- Installation flexibility: Available in long and extra-long shaft length configurations to suit different hull designs, with a weight of 175 kg.
- Integrated steering: Built-in 180° steering capability (90° to port and starboard) eliminating the need for external steering mechanisms
- Modular battery integration: Compatible with any suitable battery configuration, with a minimum recommended capacity of 61 kWh and preferred capacity of at least 122 kWh. Multiple batteries can be linked to deliver up to 244 kWh total capacity. RAD can offer generator / range extender interfaces for those wishing to use the drive in a hybrid configuration.
- Plug-and-play design: Complete drive system supplied ready for installation, maintaining RAD's commitment to ease of integration and fit out
- Versatile propeller options: Designed to accommodate custom propeller configurations, with plans for five-ten standard options in bronze or stainless steel, featuring three, four and five-bladed designs in both left and right-handed variants
- Autonomy ready: Built using the same RADBus control architecture as the RAD 40 the drive is fully fly-by-wire and RAD offers an autonomy interface and control document and support.
New era for RAD Propulsion
"The launch of the RAD 120 marks a new era for RAD Propulsion," said Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, adding "We've listened carefully to feedback from the marine industry and identified a clear need for scalable electric propulsion that doesn't compromise on performance."
He adds, "The RAD 120 delivers the power, thrust and operational flexibility that commercial operators and boat builders have been asking for, while maintaining the installation simplicity and reliability that define our RAD 40 system. This is electric propulsion that's ready for the real-world demands of today's marine sector."
"The system’s modular battery architecture allows range, performance, and weight distribution to be tailored to each vessel type — providing a practical, future-ready solution for both refit and new-build projects." continues Hook
Reliable performance across diverse operating environments
The new drive system is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to +80°C, with seawater temperature capability from 0°C to +35°C, ensuring reliable performance across diverse operating environments.
RAD Propulsion is currently planning vessel trials for Q1 2026 at its UK facilities.
