The US has added powerful new engines to the aircraft, as well as a pack of new improvements! More specifically, the US Air National Guard has built a new upgraded T-56 3.5 turbo engine for the C-130 transport aircraft. The new engine is intended to reduce fuel consumption, increase thrust in cold weather and allow the aircraft to carry a much heavier payload to “remote polar regions”.
US Air Force engineers explained that the upgraded engine uses different types of metal in the turbine and compressor, which “retain heat better, giving us the same power at lower temperatures.”
The new engine is 20 percent more efficient, which obviously means increased range for cargo and troop transport missions. But the most important element of the boost is the ability to produce more thrust so the C-130 can take off on ice or snow.
Increasing the flight and operational capabilities of the C-130 is important in many critical areas, which is why the Americans continue to improve the legendary transporter. The wing has been reinforced to ensure that the structure and fuselage remain strong and intact. The C-130s have also received new electronics, a glass cockpit and new radios. Let’s not forget to mention the new propellers.
In addition, the US Air Force is experimenting with its C-130s, trying to launch drones from them, use laser weapons or drop bombs as if the transport were a normal combat platform. Why do they do this? Because as US Air Force officials say, enemies see carriers as normal targets, armed or not. Based on this, it is not completely unreasonable to arm the platform.
