Rolls-Royce T56 engine enhancement for USAF exceeds expectations

Rolls-Royce and the United States Air Force have completed flight testing for the latest enhancement for the T56 engine, and preliminary results have exceeded expectations for reduced fuel consumption and reliability improvements. The Rolls-Royce T56 engine powers all legacy C-130 aircraft, with the Series 3.5 program the latest improvement aimed at enhancing performance. Recent flight tests with an installed Series 3.5 engine demonstrated a 9.7% reduction in fuel consumption and more than 22% increase in reliability, achieved through a significant reduction in operating temperatures. The C-130H test aircraft completed its flights in October at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. A final report on the test data is expected later in the year, with Accelerated Mission Testing under way at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis. Certification of the Series 3.5 by the FAA and qualification by the USAF are expected in 2013.