UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced that it recently completed the first of two contracted Lockheed Martin C-130H propeller upgrades for the Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company's next-gen NP2000 propeller system will help the Guard improve operational performance, and reduce maintenance time and cost.

 

With its eight composite blades and enhanced electronic control system, the NP2000 offers several benefits to operators compared to legacy systems, including a reduction in vibration and noise; an increase in thrust; and associated fuel savings, depending on operating conditions. Operators can also replace individual blades on-wing without removing the entire propeller system, reducing maintenance time, while increasing the aircraft's availability. 

 

As an upgrade for the C-130H's legacy mechanical control system from the 1960s, the NP2000 incorporates more electric and more intelligent technologies from UTC Aerospace Systems, including a digital electronic control system that improves speed holding and blade synchronization. These innovations provide greater comfort and safety for the crew as well as valuable fault diagnostics for aircraft maintenance teams. 

 

"UTC Aerospace Systems is proud to support the Air National Guard by enhancing the performance and reliability of its C-130H aircraft," said Propeller Systems General Manager Jean-Francois Chanut. "For the 153rd Airlift Wing in particular, the NP2000's increased thrust will help the unit in its firefighting missions. We look forward to continuing to work with the Air National Guard to increase operational efficiency through additional upgrades to its C-130H fleet." 

 

The two C-130H upgrades for the 153rd Airlift Wing are part of a larger UTC Aerospace Systems contract with the Guard which includes an additional 10 LC-130 upgrades for New York's 109th Airlift Wing that are currently underway. The Guard has identified seven wings flying the C-130H that will receive engine and propeller upgrades in the coming years. 

 

In addition to the C-130H and LC-130, the NP2000 is currently in service on the Northrop Grumman E-2 and C-2, and is planned for use on the Lockheed Martin P-3.

Through its legacy Hamilton Sundstrand and Ratier-Figeac businesses, UTC Aerospace Systems has been designing, manufacturing and servicing propeller systems for more than 100 years. Its Propeller Systems business has three international sites and currently supplies and services a variety of propeller systems and critical flight control systems across commercial and military platforms around the world.