In 1951 the U.S. Air Force announced a requirement for a medium-size logistic and tactical transport aircraft, which resulted in the workhorse Lockheed C-130 Hercules. With Air Force support, Allison designed the T56 turboprop for the C 130 and first flight tested the engine in 1954 in the nose of a Boeing B-17 test bed aircraft.
The first production installation was on the Lockheed YC 130, which first flew in August 1954. The commercial version of the T56, the 501, powered the Lockheed Electra L-188, which entered service with Eastern Airlines in 1959. With some models rated in excess of 5,000 horsepower, the T56 has powered several other large military and commercial aircraft, such as the Lockheed P-3, Convair 580, Grumman C-2 and E-2, and Aerospace Lines Super Guppy.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
1954
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Manufacturer
Allison Division, General Motors Corporation
Physical Description
Type: Turboprop
Power/Speed: 2796 kW (3,750 eshp) at 13,820 rpm
Compressor: 14-stage axial
Combustor: Cannular, 6 flame tubes
Turbine: 4-stage axial
Weight: 794 kg (1,750 lb)
Dimensions
Length 368 cm (145.0 in.), Width 69 cm (27.0 in.), Height 91 cm (36.0 in.)
Inventory Number
A19620071000
Credit Line
Gift of Allison Division, General Motors Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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