The Air Force has approved a Rolls-Royce engine
enhancement package for use on C-130 aircraft, the company
announced Monday.
The T56 Series 3.5 package was certified based on a projected 7.9 percent
reduction in fuel, although “fuel savings have been as high as 13 percent in
ground and flight testing,” according to the statement. “The enhancement
package also allows T56 engines to operate at significantly lower turbine
temperatures, extending parts life and improving reliability by 22 percent.” The
Fiscal 2014 budget included $15.7 million to begin introducing the new
technology into the fleet. Rolls-Royce spokesman George McLaren said in an
email, “the Series 3.5 program would result in $2 Billion in savings and extend
the life of the fleet for decades,” if implemented on the T56 engines.
“Preliminary discussions with the Air Force are already under way and we would
anticipate a contract from the Air Force in 2015,” he added.
