Rolls-Royce receives US Air Force certification for C-130 Engine Enhancement Package

The US Air Force has completed final engineering review and approved the Certification Basis for the Rolls-Royce C-130 Engine Enhancement Package. This action approves the T56 Series 3.5 package for use on USAF C-130 aircraft as the service prepares to introduce the fuel-saving technology into its transport fleet. The C-130 Engine Enhancement Package includes specifications for 7.9% reduction in fuel use. However, fuel savings have been as high as 13% in ground and flight testing on C-130 and P-3 aircraft with the Series 3.5 package. The enhancement package also allows T56 engines to operate at significantly lower turbine temperatures, extending parts life and improving reliability by 22%. The USAF has estimated that incorporating the engine enhancement into its C-130 fleet would save $2bn, while extending the life of the fleet for decades. The US Congress approved $15.7m in funding for C-130 engine enhancement in the FY14 budget to begin introduction of the technology into the USAF fleet.