C-130J NP-2000 Propeller Maintenance & Storage Stand Concept
Montana Air National Guard, Great Falls, MT
Unified Defense is designing a combined trailer and stand for ground maintenance and storage of Collins Aerospace NP-2000 propellers, used on C-130H and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. Initial part number UD-MS-NP2000S.
One stand for two airframes
The stand works for both the C-130H and the E-2 Hawkeye, which share the Collins Aerospace NP-2000 propeller system. It pairs a trailer with a stand, so one unit supports propellers during ground maintenance and while they are in storage.
Two propellers mount vertically on opposite sides, with the rear of each facing a central work platform. Offset mounting, two access stairs and stow-away tables for tools and parts complete the layout.
- Holds 0 to 2 propellers
- Stays stable when moved
- Remains balanced under load
- Total capacity over 3,000 lbs
Built to move and built to work on
Mobility
The stand can be moved by hand or with a removable tow bar fitted with a lunette ring. When the job is done, the tow bar stows away on the stand.
Once it is in position, the stand can be locked in place for maintenance or storage.
Hand or tow bar
Move the stand by hand or with the removable tow bar.
Lunette ring
The stowable tow bar is fitted with a lunette ring.
Locks in place
Lock the stand in position once it is where you need it.
Work Platform
The central work platform is large enough for three maintenance personnel and is rated with a triple safety factor.
Crews reach it by two access stairs, and stow-away tables keep tools and parts close at hand.
Room for three
The platform fits three maintenance personnel at once.
Triple safety factor
The work platform is rated with a triple safety factor.
Stow-away tables
Tables for tools and parts fold away when not in use.
Prop handling and crew safety
Propellers rotate 360 degrees on the stand and can be locked against spinning. Each is mounted as far inboard as possible while keeping blade clearance at any pitch, with the mounting shaft about 9 ft 4 in above ground.
Railings are kept as low as practical while still meeting the minimum height, which eliminates the need for fall-arrest harnesses on the platform.
360-degree rotation with spin lock
Rotate the prop through a full turn, then lock it against spinning.
Inboard mounting
Props sit as far inboard as possible with blade clearance at any pitch.
42-inch railings
Railings are at least 42 inches high, so no fall-arrest harness is needed.
Safety gates on both stairs
Both access stairs have safety gates.