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 will upgrade the Chilean Air Force's C-130 fleet with its NP2000 propeller system.
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.
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