$36M Contract Goes to Rolls-Royce

(Image Courtesy: U.S. Air Force)

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Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis has secured a $36 million contract from the U.S. Air Force. The work involves engine upgrades to the C-130 transport aircraft fleet. The announcement comes on the heels of unveiling $600 million modernization plans at the company’s Indianapolis operations.

Delivery for the upgrade kits is slated to begin in December for USAF and U.S. Air National Guard planes. The manufacturer says the kits have already been put to use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on a "Hurricane Hunter" WP-3D aircraft. Rolls-Royce says the upgrades are designed to allow the engines to operate at a lower temperature, which the company says extends the life of components, saves fuel and improves reliability.

Rolls-Royce says the USAF estimates the technology could save $2 billion and extend the life of its C-130 fleet "for decades."