Seeking to strengthen the capabilities of its aerial refueling fleet, the U.S. Navy recently announced that it has successfully integrated the new NP2000 composite propeller systems into its KC-130T Hercules aircraft. This development follows the completion of various certification tests earlier this year by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), which has also expanded the number of aircraft authorized to conduct refueling operations using this platform, currently exclusive to the U.S. Navy.
Providing further details, the institution stated that the modernized KC-130T fleet will be capable of refueling F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18, CH-53K, CH-47, H-60s, and AV-8B aircraft from Naval Aviation. Notably, all required tests to obtain these operational authorizations were conducted by engineers and test pilots from NAWCAD’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, who collaborated closely with private industry partners to carry them out.
Referring to the importance of the KC-130T Hercules’ new capabilities, Captain Elizabeth Somerville stated: “Before this test, we had only one aircraft authorized for refueling with the modernized KC-130T. This advanced capability gives us flexibility in any future conflict (…) If we anticipate any future combat, close collaboration between all forces will be essential: the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard. Any asset that provides airborne refueling will be invaluable for all operational aircraft.”
It is worth noting that the U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 24 KC-130Ts acquired in the 1990s, primarily used for cargo transport missions until now. Since 2020, following an initial test flight, the service has been working to expand the platform’s role to include aerial refueling, a capability largely made possible by integrating the new NP2000 propellers.
Developed by the U.S. company Collins Aerospace, the eight-blade NP2000 propellers feature a modern Electronic Propeller Control System (EPCS), providing significant benefits for the KC-130T fleet. Specifically, the manufacturer claims that these propellers can deliver up to 20% more takeoff thrust while reducing cabin noise by approximately 20 dB. Additionally, their integration will considerably reduce maintenance workload, cutting required man-hours by up to 50%. Regarding the composite material used in their construction, the blades are made of a carbon structure coated with a Kevlar layer.
These advantages have led to the system’s integration not only in the U.S. Navy’s Hercules aircraft but also in similar models serving in the U.S. Air Force. In this context, the introduction of NP2000 propellers came at a critical time for the USAF’s C-130H fleet, some of which had been grounded due to propulsion system issues. As we reported back in 2023, many aircraft of this variant had developed cracks in their aging 54H60 propeller systems, causing engine fluid leaks. Through multiple contracts, the Air Force now aims to equip 160 aircraft with NP2000 propellers.
Cover image: NAWCAD
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