Turbines could mean more area jobs. (Westinghouse Electric Corp.'s new gas turbine engine project could generate new jobs in Philadelphia, PA)

Westinghouse Electric Corp. is developing an advanced gas turbine engine for the next generation of U.S. Navy destroyers and the company plans to test and assemble it in Philadelphia.

If the technology is as successful in everyday use as early tests have demonstrated, the applications could be expanded to commercial ships as well as electric power generation.

Meanwhile, the engine is a favorite in the development of a new frigate for a joint European naval project.

The American project, in which Rolls Royce plc is a key subcontractor, focuses on substantially boosting the efficiency of conventional gas turbine engines The result is the intercooled recuperated gas turbine which has been a textbook concept for half a century, …