Decades of service and more than two hundred million hours: Rolls-Royce celebrates T56, AE 2100 engine milestones

UK. After more than 230 million combined flight hours and decades in service, Rolls-Royce announced on September 16 that the power-plants of the iconic C-130 aircraft, T56 and AE 2100 engines, have reached historic milestones. On the 70th anniversary of its first flight, the T56 engine has amassed more than 220 million service hours, a rare occurrence in aviation history. Additionally, the AE 2100 engine has reached 10 million hours since entering service in 1994.

Making its first flight in 1954 and still in production today, the T56 engine powers the C-130H Hercules, which is still flying as part of the longest continuous military aircraft production run in history.

Tim Walton, Director of Mature Programs, Rolls-Royce, said:

 “The T56 and AE 2100 engines are a proud part of Rolls-Royce’s history and America’s history. Over the decades, these engines have powered aircraft carrying troops, life-saving equipment, and humanitarian supplies to every corner of the world. While we celebrate these milestones, we remember that these engines are more than a testament to engineering excellence – they are a testament to our commitment to the servicemembers who depend on us to safely power their missions then bring them back home.”

The T56 engine and the AE 2100 engine provide power for military transport and long-range maritime patrols. Most notably, the engines each power variants of the iconic C-130 Hercules and Super Hercules for the U.S. Air Force, as well as other military and civil applications worldwide.

The T56 and AE 2100 engines are manufactured, assembled, and tested at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, the company’s largest production facility in the U.S.

The T56 Engine

The T56 engine was developed to meet the Air Force’s need for a reliable, powerful turboprop engine able to operate in demanding environments. The T56 made its first flight in 1954 on a Lockheed YC-130 Hercules, a prototype that led to the C-130 Hercules, one of the most successful military transport aircraft ever produced.

The T56 has one of the longest service lives of any aircraft engine, with many engines still in use decades after they were first introduced. Part of the T56’s success comes from performance, fuel efficiency, and durability upgrades over the years.

In addition to the Air Force’s C-130H Hercules, the T56 powers the P-3 Orion and E-2 Hawkeye for the U.S. Navy. More than 18,000 T56 engines have been sold in 70 countries. The engine’s commercial version, the T56 501-D, is the world’s leading large turboprop engine based on the number of units sold.

The AE 2100 Engine

The AE 2100 engine first entered airline service in 1994. Designed with advancements in materials that allow for greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption, the AE 2100 was developed to power military transports and long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

Today, the AE 2100 boasts over 10 million service hours, powering the tactical airlift workhorse of the US Air Force: the C-130J Super Hercules. More than 2,700 AE 2100 engines have been delivered globally.

As part of the AE family of engines, the AE 2100’s modular design and easily accessible components reduce maintenance costs. The AE family of engines has topped more than 88 million flight hours, amassing a record of dependable and efficient service across military and commercial fleets around the world.