The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules aircraft has been cleared to aerial refuel a wider range of aircraft following envelope expansion testing with the new NP200 propeller.
The aircraft was earlier cleared to refuel only the V-22 Osprey transport aircraft as it added refueling beyond its primary role of logistics and cargo transport.
Its refueling envelope now includes the F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18, CH-53K, CH-47, H-60s, and AV-8B.
“Prior to this testing we only had a single aircraft cleared for refueling from the upgraded KC-130T,” Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) developmental test wing Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville said.
“This advanced capability gives us flexibility in any future conflict.”
The US Navy operates a fleet of 24 KC-130Ts, first acquired in 1990. The US Marine Corps divested its KC-130T fleet in 2021.
NP200 Propeller
The Collins Aerospace system features an electronic propeller control system, eight modular composite blades, and other modernized components.
It helps reduce vibration and interior noise on the aircraft, as well as improving reliability and performance.
The system provides 20 percent greater propeller thrust, a 50 percent reduction in maintenance costs per flight hour, and around 20 decibels lower airframe noise/vibration, according to Collins.
In 2021, the US Air Force contracted Collins to integrate the NP200 on 83 C-130s and 26 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve C-130s.
An additional order for the advanced propellers was placed by the service in 2023 for $130 million.
“If we look forward to any future fight, it’s going to take intense collaboration between all of the forces: Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,” Somerville added.
“Any resource that provides fuel airborne is going to be invaluable to all assets that are flying.”
