Rolls-Royce recently announced that the T56 powerplants of the iconic C-130, along with the company’s AE 2100 engines (pictured), have reached historic milestones. On the 70th anniversary of its first flight, the T56 engine has amassed more than 220 million service hours, while the AE 2100 engine has reached 10 million hours since entering service in 1994.
Making its first flight in 1954 and still in production today, the T56 engine powers the C-130H Hercules, which is still flying as part of the longest continuous military aircraft production run in history. Both engine types are manufactured, assembled, and tested at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, the company’s largest production facility in the USA.
Tim Walton, Rolls-Royce’s director of mature programmes, said: “The T56 and AE 2100 engines are a proud part of Rolls-Royce’s history and America’s history. Over the decades, these engines have powered aircraft carrying troops, life-saving equipment, and humanitarian supplies to every corner of the world. While we celebrate these milestones, we remember that these engines are more than a testament to engineering excellence, they are a testament to our commitment to the service members who depend on us to safely power their missions then bring them back home.”
The T56 has one of the longest service lives of any aircraft engine. Indeed, many engines are still in use — decades after they were first introduced. In addition to the Air Force’s C-130H Hercules, the T56 powers the P-3 Orion and E-2 Hawkeye for the US Navy. More than 18,000 T56 engines have been sold in 70 countries.
The AE 2100 engine first entered airline service in 1994. Designed with advancements in materials that allow for greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption, it was developed to power military transports and long-range maritime patrol aircraft. The AE 2100 now has over 10 million service hours powering the US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules. More than 2,700 AE 2100 engines have been delivered globally.