Hamilton Sundstrand's new NP2000 propeller system for Rolls-Royce T56 engines on the US Navy's Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound aircraft will begin testing within the next three months. The $44.5-million contract calls for 187 propellers with an option to buy 54 more.
The eight-bladed, all-composite NP2000 propeller is a military derivative of the commercial six-bladed 568F propeller, which is designed and made by Hamilton Sundstrand and its French subsidiary Ratier-Figeac. The 568F has been in service since 1995, accumulating more than 400,000h.
The tests, which will last for around four months, will be conducted at Hamilton Sundstrand's headquarters in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
The NP2000 is also designed to be compatible with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 and Rolls-Royce AE2100 engines for Lockheed Martin P3 and C-130 aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
