Royal Thai Air Force Becomes First International Customer for T56 Engine Upgrade

RTAF C-130H-30 #60111 from 601 Sqn is seen departing from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport sometime during September 2013. [Photo by Tomas Naprstek] Via c-130.net

Royal Thai Air Force Becomes First International Customer for T56 Engine Upgrade | DOM Magazine

Rolls-Royce announces the Royal Thai Air Force as the first international customer to update its C-130H transport fleet with the Rolls-Royce T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade. 

The technology upgrade has achieved considerable success with the U.S. Air Force C-130 and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) P-3 fleets. The Series 3.5 upgrade allows T56 engines to operate at greatly reduced temperatures, extending parts' life and improving reliability by 22 percent. It is available for installation on T56 engines powering either C-130 or P-3 legacy aircraft.

The Series 3.5 upgrade will help the Royal Thai Air Force to reduce operational costs due to reduced maintenance requirements and potential fuel savings exceeding 12 percent. It will also enable the fleet to remain in service until at least 2040.

Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce, president of Defence Services, says, “Rolls-Royce is pleased to secure the Royal Thai Air Force as our first international customer for the T56 Series 3.5 upgrade. The Series 3.5 package has already proven itself with the U.S. Air Force, and we are pleased that the Royal Thai Air Force will now be able to benefit from the improved fuel economy and enhanced performance and reliability that this upgrade offers.”

The first phase of the upgrade involves upgrading 20 engines from a total fleet of 58 engines over the next three years. The Series 3.5 technology, which is based on proven advances from other Rolls-Royce engines, can be added during regular overhauls to reduce cost and requires no changes to the aircraft or controls.

The Royal Thai Air Force selected Segers Aero Corporation in the U.S. to conduct the upgrade program following a competitive and comprehensive tender process. Segers Aero Corp is a Rolls-Royce Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) and will be providing training, tooling, technical support, capability development and field-service support in conjunction with the engine-upgrade schedule.

RTAF C-130H #60108 take off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on August 14, 2015. [USAF photo by Alejandro Pena] Via c-130.net

Rolls-Royce T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade

aerotime.aero

Rolls-Royce has delivered the first T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits to the US Air Force as the service introduces the improvements to its C-130H transport fleet. The Series 3.5 engine upgrade kits are already demonstrating success in a Hurricane Hunter WP-3D aircraft of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with fuel savings exceeding 12% and improved range and payload capability. 

NOAA flight data also shows significantly lower turbine temperatures, improved high-altitude performance and much faster engine starts. USAF and US Air National Guard C-130Hs will begin receiving the T56 engine upgrades, starting with Air National Guard units in Wyoming and New York State. The Air Force has awarded a US$36m contract to launch the Series 3.5 upgrades into the fleet. The Series 3.5 upgrade, which was designed and funded by Rolls-Royce, allows T56 engines to operate at greatly reduced temperatures, extending parts life and improving reliability by 22%. The upgrades also provide improved “hot and high” performance. The Series 3.5 package can be installed on T56 engines on either C-130 or P-3 legacy aircraft. Source: c-130hercules.net

Omar Hayat Khan @behance.net

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