The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules aircraft has achieved a significant milestone by being cleared to aerial refuel a broader range of military aircraft, following a series of successful envelope expansion tests with the newly integrated NP200 propeller. Initially authorized to refuel only the V-22 Osprey transport aircraft, the KC-130T has now expanded its capabilities to include refueling for advanced fighters and transport helicopters, significantly enhancing its operational versatility.
The expanded refueling capabilities now cover a range of aircraft, including the F-35B/C stealth fighters, the F/A-18 and EA-18E Super Hornets, CH-53K King Stallion and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, H-60 series helicopters, and AV-8B Harrier jump jets. This enhanced operational flexibility is expected to play a crucial role in any potential future conflict scenario, according to Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).
Before this crucial testing phase, the KC-130T had been restricted to refueling just one type of aircraft, limiting its utility within the fleet. “Prior to this testing, we only had a single aircraft cleared for refueling from the upgraded KC-130T,” Somerville stated, underscoring the significance of the recent advancements. The expanded capability means the Navy can now support a broader array of its air assets with in-flight refueling, which is expected to improve operational readiness and effectiveness.
The Navy operates a total of 24 KC-130Ts, which were first introduced into service in 1990. Notably, the US Marine Corps divested its fleet of KC-130Ts in 2021, focusing on modernizing its capabilities.
Central to the aircraft’s enhanced performance is the NP200 propeller, developed by Collins Aerospace. This high-tech system features an electronic propeller control system and eight modular composite blades, which work together to decrease vibration and interior noise, thereby contributing to overall crew comfort and aircraft reliability. Additionally, the NP200 propeller provides an impressive 20 percent increase in thrust compared to previous models while offering a 50 percent reduction in maintenance costs per flight hour and approximately 20 decibels lower noise and vibration levels.
In 2021, the US Air Force contracted Collins Aerospace to integrate the NP200 system on a total of 83 C-130s, as well as on 26 C-130s operated by the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The service placed an additional order worth $130 million in 2023 to continue enhancing its fleet’s capabilities with these advanced propellers.
Looking ahead, Capt. Somerville emphasized the importance of inter-service collaboration in future military engagements. “If we look forward to any future fight, it’s going to take intense collaboration between all of the forces: Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,” she noted. “Any resource that provides fuel airborne is going to be invaluable to all assets that are flying.” This statement reflects the increasing emphasis on coordinated operations among the U.S. armed forces, particularly as they adapt to evolving military challenges.
