UTC To Modernize P-3 Aircraft With New NP2000 Propellers

UTC Aerospace Systems has won a contract from NASA to modernize P-3 Aircraft by installing NP2000 propellers with electronic propeller control systems.

The contract includes engineering, technical and logistics services within the next two years.

This NP2000 modernization program is a critical step to gain airworthiness approval on a P-3, and supports UTC Aerospace Systems' efforts to market the NP2000 for 54H60 propeller replacements.

The NP2000 is being offered to replace the HS 54H60 propeller system for the P-3.  It is designed to provide higher reliability, reduced vibration and noise to the aircraft, and reduce support costs.

The US Navy has already deployed the NP2000 on the E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound, and it is currently flying on C-130 aircraft with the Air National Guard.

The P-3 is considered a core platform for the NASA Airborne Science Program. The aircraft supports scientific investigations by NASA and visiting scientists from universities, other agencies and organizations worldwide. The P-3 is also used as a technology test bed for new airborne and satellite instrumentation.

"This propeller system is ideally suited for the modernization of all P-3 aircraft which currently use the 54H60 propeller," said Michel Ferey, Propeller Systems president and general manager for UTC Aerospace Systems.