The United States Air Force (USAF) has selected StandardAero as one of its suppliers for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) on its fleet of C-130 “Hercules” military transport aircraft. Specifically, StandardAero will now be authorized to work on Rolls-Royce T-56 turboprop engines used by the aircraft.

According to a press release, the agreement will last for at least ten years and covers work on American and allied fleets. The contract is defined as an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), firm-fixed-price contract and has a maximum ceiling value of $342.2 million.

IDIQ contracts are essentially framework agreements. Under it, the USAF can issue individual work orders as engines need attention, without negotiating a completely new contract each time. Also, as an approved contractor, it is not clear whether StandardAero will be guaranteed the total contract value or just a portion.

As part of the contract, StandardAero will provide “depot-level repair and overhaul of T56 Series engines, modules and components for the global fleet of more than 1,200 C-130 aircraft for U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers,” the press release explains.

StandardAero-USAF’s longstanding partnership continues

Regarding the engines, they are commonplace on older C-130 variants on the USAF’s P-3 “Orion” maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The engines are also found on Grumman E-2 “Hawkeye” airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft and Grumman C-2 “Greyhound” carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft.

These engines were originally produced by Allison from around 1995, with the company subsequently acquired by Rolls-Royce. These engines were an evolution of the older T-38 series, which were first used on aircraft in 1954.

Newer C-130J “Super Hercules” variants tend to use the much more modern Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines since around 1994. At present, somewhere in the region of 1,200 C-130s have these engines, but it is not clear if the company will be required to work on all of these.

The company has been a USAF partner under its T56 program since around 1999. This new agreement now effectively acts as an extension to this long-running partnership. They were also instrumental in the conversion of USAF T56 Series 3 engines to the enhanced Series 3.5 configuration.

Overhauling T-56 engines for another decade

That particular upgrade delivered improved fuel efficiency for the engines, while also extending the lifespan of C-130 engines. In practical terms, that means lower operating costs, fewer engine removals and more aircraft ready to fly.

“This latest contract award further strengthens StandardAero’s position as a trusted partner for maintaining military propulsion systems and underscores the company’s continued commitment to supporting the readiness of U.S. and allied defense forces for years to come,” the press release explains.

“StandardAero is honored to continue our partnership with the U.S. Air Force in support of the T56 engine program,” explained Rick Pataky, Vice President and General Manager of StandardAero San Antonio.

“Having supported the Air Force’s T56 fleet for more than 25 years, this award reflects our team’s proven technical expertise, commitment to mission readiness and ability to deliver dependable, high-quality MRO solutions for military operators around the world,” he added.