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Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks, CT received a $14.3 million modification under previously awarded contract N00383-95-G-004A, exercising an option on NP2000 propeller systems for the carrier-based C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft. The eight-bladed, all-composite NP2000 propeller is a military derivative of the commercial, six-bladed 568F propeller designed and manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand and its French subsidiary, Ratier-Figeac.
The NP2000 replaces the out-of-production 54460 Hamilton Sundstrand propeller on the twin-engine E-2C Hawkeyes and C-2A/C-2A-R Greyhound Cargo aircraft. It also is designed to be compatible with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 and the Rolls-Royce AE2100 engines for P-3 Orion and C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The US Navy selected the NP2000 for its E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound aircraft in November 1997. The $44.5 million contract called for 187 propellers with an option to purchase 54 more.
The C-2A and C-2A-R provide cargo support for deployed carrier battle groups. These aircraft have a 10,000 pound payload capacity and operate from forward area air stations in support of Atlantic and Pacific fleet operations. The aircraft’s large aft door-ramp and powered winch promote a fast turnaround time via straight-in rear loading and unloading. Special missions have been developed which employ the C-2A. These missions include personnel, Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC), and air cargo drops. The CRRC drops entail disembarking a team of divers and their equipment while airborne.
Work on this contract will be performed in Windsor Locks, CT and is expected to be complete by December 2007. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point issued the contract (N00383-95-G-004A – Mod 0036).