Collins receives C-130 prop system order after first successful upgrade
Under current modernisation efforts, Collins will upgrade the CAF’s C-130 fleet, including C-130B, C-130E, KC-130R and C-130H variants. (Photo: US DoD)
Collins Aerospace has successfully upgraded the first Chilean Air Force (CAF) C-130 with its NP2000 propeller system, the company announced on 25 October.
The installation marks the first international modernisation of the C-130 and the South American country is its first C-130 NP2000 international customer.
Under the modernisation effort, Collins will upgrade the CAF’s C-130 fleet, including C-130B, C-130E, KC-130R and C-130H variants.
The NP2000 propeller system is equipped with eight composite blades and a so-called Electronic Propeller Control System.
According to the manufacturer, this offers a number of benefits that include up to 20% thrust increase during take-off, approximately 20dB sound reduction in the cockpit and up to 50% reduction in maintenance hours.
Chile is recently upgrading the Pratt & Whitney F100 engines for its F-16 fleet under a contract with Raytheon.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry
As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).