E-11A Engines Set New On-Wing Standard

Members of the 451st Tactical Airborne Gateway at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, recently marked a major milestone for one of the E-11A aircraft that they operate as an overhead platform for relaying coalition troops’ communications. Each of the airplane’s two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines exceeded 10,000 hours on wing without having to be removed for mechanical repairs, according to an Oct 31 base release. “Prior to the E11-A fleet, no BR710 engine had remained on wing for more than 10,000 flight hours, and this feat is testament to the dedication, hard work, and cooperation between the [Air Force’s] E-11A team and Rolls-Royce,” said Luke Daniel Mallows of Rolls-Royce. The typical on-wing time of these engines is between 7,000 hours and 8,000 hours, states the release. BR710 engines are also resident on corporate jets, but the operational requirements placed upon them by the Air Force exceed standard corporate flight profiles. The Air Force currently operates three E-11As, but is acquiring a fourth. (Kandahar report by MSgt. Russell Martin)