The Series 3.5 will also improve performance in
‘hot and high’ conditions. A key feature was the
introduction of the T56 turboprop, first
developed specifically for the C-130. At the
time, the turboprop was a new application of
turbine engines that used exhaust gases to turn
a shafted propeller, which offered greater range
at propeller-driven speeds compared to pure
turbojets, which were faster but thirstier.
As was the case on helicopters of that era, such
as the UH-1 Huey, turboshafts produced much more
power for their weight than piston engines.
Lockheed would subsequently use the same engines
and technology in the Lockheed L-188 Electra.
That aircraft failed financially in its civilian
configuration but was successfully adapted into
the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol and
submarine attack aircraft where the efficiency
and endurance at high propeller speeds of
turboprops excelled.
Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce, President, Customer
Business – Defense, said, “We look forward to
carrying out flight tests to confirm what we
have already demonstrated in the test cell –
significant savings in fuel costs, improved
reliability and performance. Rolls-Royce has
invested to help the US Air Force and other
operators around the world meet their goal of
reducing fuel costs, while also extending the
life of the C-130 fleet and potentially saving
billions of dollars.”
The Series 3.5 Engine Enhancement program is
expected to enable the USAF to continue to
operate its C-130H fleet until 2040, and a USAF
analysis estimated its long-term savings from
the Series 3.5 enhancements could reach $2
Billion.
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