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SNOW AVIATION'S

CURRENT PROJECTS

STOL HERK PROGRAM

In an effort to improve the operational capabilities of the nation's C-130 Hercules fleet, Snow Aviation International has begun a project to increase its runway and climb performance in a dramatic way. The key to this exciting project is thrust. This increased thrust will be provided to the Hercules through two very significant modifications. These modifications will include the addition of modern, high-technology propellers and additional turbofan engines along with other related airframe modifications to support the power plant upgrades.

NP2000 Eight-Blade Propellers

Designed and built by Hamilton Sundstrand, the NP2000 propeller system exhibits some of the most current propeller technology. It is through this new technology that a C-130 equipped with NP2000 propellers will possess nearly enough thrust to equal the performance of a C-130 with the four blade propellers and JATO rocket bottles on takeoff. This performance improvement extends to the landing performance with stunning reverse thrust. Flight testing has shown that brake usage is not needed for normal landings on even short runways, and that use of wheel brakes makes extremely short landings possible.

The modern improvements that lead to all of the performance benefits observed during the STOL HERK flight testing that has been completed so far are due to improved aerodynamics and electronic control. The NP2000 propeller not only has doubled the amount of blades on each propeller but each blade is a much more efficient airfoil than what is found on the propeller it replaces. This improvement in aerodynamics has lead to a propeller system that decreases takeoff roll by over 20% and significantly reduces the noise signature of the aircraft. The electronic control is responsible for providing greater reliability, and more accurate speed governing over the original C-130 propellers.

Other design features of the NP2000 propeller system include on-the-wing blade replacement, and bolt-on compatibility with the T-56 turbo shaft engine.

Further information on the NP2000 propeller on the Snow Aviation C-130E including flight test results will be available on this page in the next few weeks.

E-MAIL: snow@snowaviation.com