Hamilton Sundstrand NP2000 Propeller System Completes First C-130 Flight Test

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hamilton Sundstrand's NP2000 propeller system has performed successfully in initial flight tests on the Snow Aviation, Inc. C-130E aircraft at Snow's facilities in Columbus, Ohio. Hamilton Sundstrand is a unit of United Technologies Corp. .

The NP2000 is being offered to replace the HS 54H60 propeller system for the C-130. It is designed to provide a higher level of performance, reduce noise both inside and outside the aircraft and improve reliability. The U.S. Navy is currently deploying the NP2000 on the E-2C Hawkeye. The propeller also will be flight-tested on the C-2A Greyhound later this year.

Achieving this major milestone in the NP2000 program is a critical step to production release and supports Hamilton Sundstrand's efforts to market the NP2000 for 54H60 propeller replacements.

"This propeller system is ideally suited for the modernization of all C- 130 aircraft using the 54H60 propeller," said Robert Schechtman, business development manager of Hamilton Sundstrand's propulsion business. "This technology will bring many benefits to the users including shorter take-off roll, improved climb, quieter operations, and lower operating and support costs."

Harry Snow, president of Snow Aviation, said, "Snow Aviation shares Hamilton Sundstrand's excitement in successfully initiating the C-130 flight tests. The system has performed better than expected and should be a great benefit for all C-130 operators."

The first C-130 with the NP2000 propeller system flew on Feb. 18.

Earl Cherry, Snow Aviation chief test pilot with more than 20,000 hours of flying time and owner of his own C-130, said, "There is a tremendous burst of power and acceleration with this new propeller. The whole aircraft is much smoother with less noise and vibration. We put the system through its paces, and it performed extremely well."

Hamilton Sundstrand is a leading supplier of aircraft systems and services. It employs approximately 16,000 people worldwide. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.

Contact: Dan Coulom

860-654-3469