Wyoming ANG modernized C-130H
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_ ... 35125.html
Upgraded C-130H legacy aircraft stops in Cheyenne
By Joel Funk,
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
7Jan18
CHEYENNE
It was a historic day for the Wyoming Air National Guard on Saturday as a modernized C-130H Hercules aircraft flew into Cheyenne for the first time. The H model C-130s are considered “legacy” airplanes in the Air National Guard, crafted about 30 years ago. Newer J model aircraft are still being manufactured, but cost taxpayers a pretty penny. By making three separate engine-related modifications to improve the performance of the legacy models, the military is able to make good use of its budget, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its missions and better ensure the safety of men and women in uniform. “It’s a culmination of years of effort for the (153rd Airlift Wing based in Cheyenne) and for the Wyoming Air National Guard,” said Col. Paul Lyman, Wyoming Air National Guard commander. “It started as a vision of senior leadership and partnering with industry … to improve on a plane we already had.”
The upgrades include:
1- Installation of four Rolls-Royce T56 series 3.5 engines to improve aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and reliability through the use of redesigned air inlet housing, updated turbine and improved compressor blades and seals.
2- Implementing digitally-controlled Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation modular and composite eight-bladed propeller systems to replace four metal propellers and provide increased low-speed operational performance and decrease propeller maintenance time.
3- Replacing advanced electronic propeller control systems with (hydraulic controls???) to increase propeller acceleration response while an in-flight propeller balancing system decreases maintenance down-time.
Many airmen witnessing the modified C-130 land Saturday commented not only on the eight-blade propellers, but on how quiet the aircraft was compared to the other seven legacy models on the base. “(Saturday) is a hugely exciting day to not only see the propellers, but also the engines behind the propellers,” Lyman said. “It’s a great, exciting day for Wyoming and the 153rd.” The successful modification of the legacy model demonstrates an ability to extend the life and usefulness of the decades-old aircraft by 30-40 years, Lyman said. The H model ended production about 20 years ago, said Col. Kevin Campbell, National Guard director of plans and requirements. Around 30 years ago, the production of J models started, and continues to this day. Modifying the H models costs around 10-20 percent of the price tag for a new J model, Campbell said. With the H model comprising the vast majority of aircraft flown in the Air National Guard, he said the cost-savings of upgrading legacy models will add up.
Campbell said the project couldn’t have happened without the men and women of the 153rd Airlift Wing and Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, adjunct general for Wyoming and Wyoming Military Department director. “They have been an instrumental part in volunteering manpower, time and the aircraft to do all this testing,” he said. The modified aircraft flew into Cheyenne on Saturday from Kiln, Mississippi, for minor maintenance and a wash before it heads south to Florida for two years of testing. Newer J model aircraft have higher-performance levels than the legacy models. How the upgraded H model aircraft compares to the newer aircraft will be one of the things airmen will be looking at during the upcoming testing. “All we have now is postulated data, but we will see performance (with the H model) that is on the par with the J model,” Campbell said. “There are going to be areas where the J model will still outperform and there are areas where this airplane might show more capability. But the goal was getting J model-like performance without having the money to go out and buy 172 more J models.”
Upgraded C-130H legacy aircraft stops in Cheyenne
By Joel Funk,
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
7Jan18
CHEYENNE
It was a historic day for the Wyoming Air National Guard on Saturday as a modernized C-130H Hercules aircraft flew into Cheyenne for the first time. The H model C-130s are considered “legacy” airplanes in the Air National Guard, crafted about 30 years ago. Newer J model aircraft are still being manufactured, but cost taxpayers a pretty penny. By making three separate engine-related modifications to improve the performance of the legacy models, the military is able to make good use of its budget, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its missions and better ensure the safety of men and women in uniform. “It’s a culmination of years of effort for the (153rd Airlift Wing based in Cheyenne) and for the Wyoming Air National Guard,” said Col. Paul Lyman, Wyoming Air National Guard commander. “It started as a vision of senior leadership and partnering with industry … to improve on a plane we already had.”
The upgrades include:
1- Installation of four Rolls-Royce T56 series 3.5 engines to improve aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and reliability through the use of redesigned air inlet housing, updated turbine and improved compressor blades and seals.
2- Implementing digitally-controlled Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation modular and composite eight-bladed propeller systems to replace four metal propellers and provide increased low-speed operational performance and decrease propeller maintenance time.
3- Replacing advanced electronic propeller control systems with (hydraulic controls???) to increase propeller acceleration response while an in-flight propeller balancing system decreases maintenance down-time.
Many airmen witnessing the modified C-130 land Saturday commented not only on the eight-blade propellers, but on how quiet the aircraft was compared to the other seven legacy models on the base. “(Saturday) is a hugely exciting day to not only see the propellers, but also the engines behind the propellers,” Lyman said. “It’s a great, exciting day for Wyoming and the 153rd.” The successful modification of the legacy model demonstrates an ability to extend the life and usefulness of the decades-old aircraft by 30-40 years, Lyman said. The H model ended production about 20 years ago, said Col. Kevin Campbell, National Guard director of plans and requirements. Around 30 years ago, the production of J models started, and continues to this day. Modifying the H models costs around 10-20 percent of the price tag for a new J model, Campbell said. With the H model comprising the vast majority of aircraft flown in the Air National Guard, he said the cost-savings of upgrading legacy models will add up.
Campbell said the project couldn’t have happened without the men and women of the 153rd Airlift Wing and Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, adjunct general for Wyoming and Wyoming Military Department director. “They have been an instrumental part in volunteering manpower, time and the aircraft to do all this testing,” he said. The modified aircraft flew into Cheyenne on Saturday from Kiln, Mississippi, for minor maintenance and a wash before it heads south to Florida for two years of testing. Newer J model aircraft have higher-performance levels than the legacy models. How the upgraded H model aircraft compares to the newer aircraft will be one of the things airmen will be looking at during the upcoming testing. “All we have now is postulated data, but we will see performance (with the H model) that is on the par with the J model,” Campbell said. “There are going to be areas where the J model will still outperform and there are areas where this airplane might show more capability. But the goal was getting J model-like performance without having the money to go out and buy 172 more J models.”
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http://alert5.com/2018/01/18/close-look ... de-c-130h/
Upgraded C-130 arrives for testing
01.17.2018
Story by Samuel King
Eglin Air Force Base
The first to cut through an unusual afternoon fog was the sound that seemed like a swarm of millions of insects angrily buzzing in unison. Then, the nose of a C-130 popped through that dense whiteness followed by 32 spinning blades creating the ominous sound. The Air Force’s first fully upgraded C-130H arrived here Jan. 11 to begin testing. The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing-owned aircraft will be here for several months undergoing multiple test flights. The goal of these evaluations is to collect data and confirm the increased fuel efficiency, reliability and overall performance improvements gained from the new propellers and upgraded engines. The benefits of the upgrades include shorter take-off roll, improved climb, quieter operations, and lower operating and support costs, according to Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the program office for the test. "With these modifications, we'll see significant improvements that are needed to ensure longevity and mission flexibility," said Maj. Leanna Thomas, 153rd AW C-130H pilot. The flight testing will be conducted by 153rd AW and C-130 Combined Test Force aircrews. ANG Airmen will maintain the aircraft during its time here. The Wyoming Air National Guard was chosen specifically to receive the C-130H because of its involvement in the initial testing with the new systems in 2008, when the Air Force explored the idea of upgrading the H-model. "When we add these modifications to all of our aircraft, we will greatly increase the reliability and performance of the C-130H," said Col. Justin Walrath, 153rd AW commander.
....more pics at the link of C-130H 92-1536 Wyoming ANG!
Upgraded C-130 arrives for testing
01.17.2018
Story by Samuel King
Eglin Air Force Base
The first to cut through an unusual afternoon fog was the sound that seemed like a swarm of millions of insects angrily buzzing in unison. Then, the nose of a C-130 popped through that dense whiteness followed by 32 spinning blades creating the ominous sound. The Air Force’s first fully upgraded C-130H arrived here Jan. 11 to begin testing. The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing-owned aircraft will be here for several months undergoing multiple test flights. The goal of these evaluations is to collect data and confirm the increased fuel efficiency, reliability and overall performance improvements gained from the new propellers and upgraded engines. The benefits of the upgrades include shorter take-off roll, improved climb, quieter operations, and lower operating and support costs, according to Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the program office for the test. "With these modifications, we'll see significant improvements that are needed to ensure longevity and mission flexibility," said Maj. Leanna Thomas, 153rd AW C-130H pilot. The flight testing will be conducted by 153rd AW and C-130 Combined Test Force aircrews. ANG Airmen will maintain the aircraft during its time here. The Wyoming Air National Guard was chosen specifically to receive the C-130H because of its involvement in the initial testing with the new systems in 2008, when the Air Force explored the idea of upgrading the H-model. "When we add these modifications to all of our aircraft, we will greatly increase the reliability and performance of the C-130H," said Col. Justin Walrath, 153rd AW commander.
....more pics at the link of C-130H 92-1536 Wyoming ANG!
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