Fri, Mar 09, 2012
Engine Manufacturer Upgrades T56 Turboprop Powerplant
Flight tests are set to begin "soon" for an upgraded version of the Rolls-Royce T56 turboprop engine (current enging pictured, Rolls-Royce image), which powers the C-130H transport aircraft. The Series 3.5 upgrade is designed to deliver both fuel savings and reliability improvements, as well as improved Life Cycle Costs.
Rolls-Royce has delivered upgrade kits to be installed on an Air Force C-130H test aircraft, with flight tests scheduled to begin by mid-year. The enhancements use proven technologies from other Rolls-Royce commercial and military engines, including new blade materials and advanced turbine airfoil aerodynamic designs. The engine upgrade program is expected to deliver significant benefits to the Air Force's C-130H fleet, enabling the aircraft to continue operation until 2040 while delivering fuel savings of 8 percent; along with improved reliability and performance. The Series 3.5 enhancement will also improve "hot and high" performance. Approximately 220 C-130H aircraft are eligible for upgrades.
"We recognize the US Air Force has a goal of improving energy efficiency, and Rolls-Royce has invested to help this valued customer meet its goal. In doing so, we improved engine reliability and performance, which will enable the Air Force to extend the life of its C-130 fleet for decades while potentially saving billions of dollars," said Patricia O'Connell, President, Customer Business, Rolls-Royce Defense.
An Air Force analysis estimated long-term savings of $3.5 Billion from the Series 3.5 enhancements over the lifetime of the fleet. The engine upgrade can be accomplished as part of a conventional engine overhaul, and does not require any aircraft or engine control system modifications.
The engine upgrades will help the Air Force to achieve its goal of reducing consumption of aviation fuel by 10 percent by 2015.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
See All