Raytheon Technologies company Collins Aerospace Systems announced on 14 September that it will deliver NP2000 propeller systems for 30 more Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft operated by the US Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
The value of the deal was undisclosed. Collins Aerospace has already retrofitted NP2000 propellers to 25 C-130Hs and the USAF plans to equip about 100 of the aircraft type with the new system.
The company noted that the NP2000 features eight composite blades and an electronic control system that increases thrust by 20% during take-off, while its design also reduces aircraft noise by 20dB and maintenance man-hours by 50%.
Jean-Francois Chanut, general manager of propeller systems at Collins Aerospace, said: ‘Our innovative NP2000 system incorporates more intelligent, state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance efficiency and boost aircraft availability, while increasing crew comfort and safety.’
Along with C-130 variants, the NP2000 has been in service since 2004 with US and international customers on the Northrop Grumman E-2 and C-2 and it is planned to be installed on the Lockheed Martin P-3.
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