INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 21 (UPI) — Rolls-Royce will begin supplying the U.S. Air Force with kits in December to improve the engines of C-130 transport aircraft.
The T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits, being supplied under a $36 million contract, enable T56 engines to operate at much lower temperatures, resulting in a 22 percent extension to the life of engine parts and improved reliability.
The kits have already been installed on WP-3D aircraft of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and have resulted in more than a 12 percent reduction in fuel costs, Rolls-Royce said.
“The T56 Series 3.5 technology has proven itself in challenging hurricane flight operations on NOAA aircraft and we are excited to launch the upgrades into the US Air Force C-130 fleet so they can achieve the same benefits,” said Phil Burkholder, the president of Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace North America. “The improved fuel economy and enhanced performance demonstrate the value from the Series 3.5 upgrade — operators will benefit from lower operating costs and improved reliability.”
Rolls-Royce said the kits can be added to the Air Force and Air National Guard planes during regular overhauls and require no changes to the aircraft or its controls.
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