Hamilton Sundstrand will soon begin shipping its NP2000 propellers
to the U.S. Navy against a firm order for 188, plus 54 options,
of the eight-blade units, which will be retrofitted to E-2C Hawkeyes
and C-2A Greyhounds. The props will begin carrier suitability
testing this summer on an E-2C; flight-testing on a C-2A will
begin next year.
The NP2000 is a derivative of the Ratier-Figeac's six-bladed568F.
Apart from benefits in improved reliability and reduced maintenance
costs compared to the four-blade props currently installed on
E-2Cs, pilots report significant reductions in vibration.
E-2C retrofits with the NP2000 will begin in January 2004. Hamilton
Sundstrand is also eying potential for NP2000 retrofits on P-3
Orion maritime patrollers and C-130 Hercules transports.
