Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp, has been selected to deliver NP2000 propeller systems for an additional 30 Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft for the US Air National Guard (ANG) and Air Force Reserve (AFR).

With its eight composite blades and digital Electronic Propeller Control System (EPCS), NP2000 offers a number of benefits compared to legacy systems including: a 20% thrust increase during take-off, a 20db sound reduction in the cockpit and a 50% reduction in maintenance man-hours.

Along with C-130 variants, NP2000 has been in service with US-based and international customers on the Northrop Grumman E-2 and C-2 since 2004, and is planned for use on the Lockheed Martin P-3.

This new contract brings the total order to 55 C-130H aircraft to date and Collins Aerospace continues to make progress toward USAF’s plan to retrofit around 160 C-130H aircraft with NP2000.

In addition to the new order, Collins Aerospace earned the system’s C-130H Air Worthiness Certification from USAF and completed the first formal combined NP2000/EPCS installation on a USAF C-130H in April.

Jean-Francois Chanut, Collins Aerospace Propeller Systems general manager, said: “Collins Aerospace is honored to support the US Air Force.

“Our innovative NP2000 system incorporates more intelligent, ‘state of the art’ technologies designed to enhance efficiency and boost aircraft availability, while increasing crew comfort and safety.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Air Force to help them maximize the performance and availability of their C-130 fleet."