Rolls-Royce announced its partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI Thailand) to implement the 3.5 upgrade for the Royal Thai Air Force’s T56 engines that power their C-130H transport aircraft. The Royal Thai Air Force will be the first operator in the Asia Pacific region to receive this upgrade that will enable the T56 engines to operate at greatly reduced temperatures, extending the life of parts and improving aircraft reliability.
Boeing Distribution Inc (BDI), as Rolls-Royce’s appointed global distributor for the 3.5 upgrade kits, will provide these kits to Segers for integration into the Royal Thai Air Force’s T56 engines.
The T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade has already achieved success with the US Air Force C-130H aircraft and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) P-3 fleets. This contract will enable the Royal Thai Air Force to upgrade their C130H powerplants with four T56 engines per aircraft.
Alex Zino, Director Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce said: “We are proud to support our Royal Thai Air Force partners, by enabling them to maintain their critical transport air capability for decades to come. We have secured this contract through an effective, long-standing partnership with TAI and Segers Aero Corporation. This proven reliability will also enhance performance, efficiency and demonstrate our commitment to providing the best possible technologies and equipment to our global armed forces customers.”
The contract with the Royal Thai Air Force will reduce operational costs across a fleet of six aircraft, with spares. The series 3.5 upgrade will also mean reduced maintenance requirements, significant fuel savings of more than 10 percent and enable the fleet to remain in service until at least 2040.
Amber Carnes, VP T56 Programs at Rolls-Royce said: “The T56 is a robust and reliable engine operating with military and civil aircraft across the globe. We are proud to have kept this engine in service for over 70 years, and in the process, we have sustained the life of transport aircraft fleets worldwide. This contract is a signal that our strong legacy of servicing this engine continues to play a vital role in helping our customers meet their needs.”
Air Chief Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha, Managing Director of Thai Aviation Industries said: “Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) is proud to serve as the prime contractor for the Royal Thai Air Force’s T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade program, supporting the modernization of the C-130H transport aircraft fleet. This important initiative marks a major milestone as the Royal Thai Air Force becomes the first operator in the Asia-Pacific region to benefit from the Rolls-Royce T56 3.5 upgrade. As the prime contractor, TAI is responsible for the overall project management, cooperation, coordination, technology transfer and successful delivery of the program. This collaboration reflects the strength of TAI’s technical capabilities, its growing role in regional aerospace support, and its successful partnerships with international industry leaders.”
The Royal Thai Air Force selected Segers Aero Corporation and Turbo Power LLC in the US to conduct the upgrade programme following a competitive and comprehensive tender process. Segers Aero Corp is a Rolls-Royce Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) and will provide training, technical support, capability development and field service support in conjunction with the engine upgrade schedule.
Christo Kok, Segers Aero Corporation Chief Executive Officer said: "Segers is very proud to be selected as TAI partner for the acquisition of the 32 x Rolls-Royce T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade modifications in support of the Royal Thai Air Force, which was made possible with the support from Rolls-Royce and Boeing Distribution Services. This is another example of Segers’ growth and expansion in support of the C130 platform.”
Rolls-Royce established its office in Bangkok, Thailand over 35 years ago, and since then, it has established strong, long-term relationships with key business and military customers including Thai Airways and all three military branches – Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Army, and Royal Thai Navy. Over the years, Rolls-Royce has also helped develop a large supply base with three separate suppliers committed to long-term manufacturing.
