Rolls-Royce and the U.S. Air Force have identified, and begun implementing, a number of improvements to the T56 turboprop that should boost the engine's average time-on-wing, now at 1,400 hr., by more than 20%. Aimed at improving reliability, cutting costs, boosting safety and increasing time-on-wing, the upgrades were developed independently, primarily under USAF's Component Improvement Program. Most of the dozen or so advances have been flowing into engines since 1998. The final improvements will be installed in the engines to be upgraded in 2014. Most improvements will be added during regularly scheduled depot maintenance.
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