The Lockheed LC-130 is a ski-equipped aircraft that supports U.S. missions in the Arctic and Antarctic. The aircraft requires rocket-assisted-takeoff (RATO) rockets for take-off when carrying heavy loads over snow or ice. Recently, the LC-130 was upgraded with T56-8-15A 3.5 engines that negate the need for RATO rockets.
,_USA_-_Air_Force_AN0633004.jpg)
Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2), via Wikimedia Commons
“The updated features allow the aircraft to create the same thrust as JATO bottles but at lower operating temperatures, making them more eco-friendly,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Candido, a propulsion specialist with the 109th Maintenance Squadron.
The new engine produced the extra thrust thanks to the NP2000 eight-bladed propellors installed on the LC-130. The eight-bladed propellors are also easier to fix in the event of a seal leak.
For more information, hit the Source below