Following final engineering review, US Air Force has approved the Rolls-Royce's C-130 Engine Enhancement Package. The fuel saving T...
The fuel saving T56 Series 3.5 Engine Enhancement Package for USAF C-130 Hercules airlifter fleet, will save $2 billion, while extending the life of the fleet for decades.
The Package provides a 7.9 per cent reduction in fuel use, however, fuel savings as high as 13 per cent in ground and flight testing on C-130 and P-3 aircraft has been achieved.
The enhancement allows the T56 turboprop engines to operate at significantly lower turbine temperatures, extending parts life and improving reliability by 22 per cent.
The US Congress approved $15.7 million in funding for C-130 engine enhancement in the FY14 budget to begin introduction of the technology into the USAF fleet.
The T56 Series 3.5 engine enhancement can be installed as part of a conventional engine overhaul, and does not require any aircraft or engine control system modifications.
The enhancements use proven technologies including new blade materials and advanced turbine airfoil aerodynamic designs.
The first NOAA WP-3D aircraft fully equipped with the Series 3.5 enhancements is expected to re-enter service beginning in early 2015.
In addition to the US Air Force and NOAA, international operators of C-130 and P-3 aircraft are also considering incorporating the T56 engine enhancement into their fleets.
Additionally, the Series 3.5 package has already received FAA certification for the commercial version of the T56 engine.
