USAF continues Hercules propeller upgrade
C-130H Hercules transport aircraft. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace obtains another order to provide NP2000 propellers for C-130H aircraft.
The USAF has chosen Collins Aerospace to deliver NP2000 propeller systems for 26 additional Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft operated by the US Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
The USAF plans to retrofit approximately 140 C-130H with NP2000 and has now ordered propeller upgrades for 83 C-130H aircraft, Collins noted in a 21 September announcement.
The value of the latest order and its completion date were undisclosed.
Collins has installed the NP2000 on 16 USAF C-130Hs to date, including aircraft for the Georgia, Nevada and Wyoming Air National Guard.
NP2000 features eight composite blades and a digital Electronic Propeller Control System (EPCS). It delivers a 20% thrust increase during take-off, a 50% reduction in maintenance time and a 20db sound reduction in the cockpit compared to legacy propeller systems, Collins claimed.
The NP2000 is also in service on Northrop Grumman E-2 and C-2 aircraft and it has accumulated more than 1 million flight hours since entering service in 2004.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
