152nd AW Gets NP2000s

[Metalbasher]

The first production Air National Guard C-130H3 with the #CollinsAerospace NP2000 eight bladed propeller completed a functional check flight and was released back to the 152nd Airlift Wing, Reno, Nevada. The Air Reserve Component has been working for the past six years to bring this capability to the field and it's great to see production aircraft now in service. This particular aircraft has the large orange “8” in reference to the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Aircraft #8. The NP2000 brings increased safety, performance, and maintainability to not only the airborne firefighting mission, but normal airdrop and air land missions as well. Thanks to Chris Swadener for the photos. This upgrade, along with the #RollsRoyce T-56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade, and the #L3Harris Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2 (AMP-2) beginning in Waco, built on the highly successful Compass Call avionics upgrade, offers the Air Force cost-effective options to ensure the ARC legacy C-130 fleet remains relevant and viable for both domestic and overseas missions.

[AMPTestFE]

Congratulations USAF! Only 20 or so years behind the Navy on this one....waaayyyy overdue!

[larry myers]

Well, I'd say this is SOP for the USAF. ☹️  When it involves buying new systems or aircraft, the airforce is very much afu.  AMP and the KC-46 are further examples.  I recall we were having meetings in 2001concerning AMP.   

In all fairness, Congress is a big part of the problem by not providing consistent funding.

 

[AMPTestFE]

Spot on Larry.