Collins Aerospace has installed its new NP2000 propeller system on the first Chilean Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The upgrade includes eight composite blades and an electronic control system for a 20 percent increase in thrust during take-off, a 50 percent reduction in maintenance hours, and a 20-decibel noise reduction.
According to the company, the Chilean C-130 is the first international variant to acquire the NP2000.
The installation is part of an order for Collins to integrate the propeller system into the Chilean Air Force’s C-130 fleet, including a C-130B endurance fighter, C-130E airborne hospital, C-130H maritime patrol, and KC-130R tanker.
“This installation of the full NP2000 propeller system marks the first international modernization of the C-130 for the Chilean Air Force,” Collins Aerospace Propeller systems Senior Director Quinlan Lyte said.
“Our innovative NP2000 system incorporates sophisticated, state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance efficiency and boost aircraft availability, as well as reducing crew fatigue.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Chilean Air Force and other future international customers to help them maximize the performance and availability of their C-130 fleet.”
The NP2000 Propeller
The NP2000 system has been in international Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye tactical airborne early warning and C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft since 2004.
This year, the US Air Force tested the NP2000 T56-A-15A turbo-prop 3.5 engine on a ski-equipped LC-130 transport to enhance its Arctic/Antarctic capabilities.
In the future, Collins plans to install the propeller system on the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.