Blackhawk Modifications is in the final stages of completing its flight testing to earn a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Cessna 208 Caravans to install the XP42A Upgrade Package.
According to Blackhawk President and CEO Jim Allmon, two Caravan customers already have completed contracts for the new upgrade package. Beginning at the National Business Aviation Association conference Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Orlando, Blackhawk will be accepting pre-certification orders and offering a limited number of special pricing packages.
The FAA is expected to approve the new STC during the fourth quarter of 2012. In addition, approvals from international certification agencies are underway, company officials said.
The XP42A Upgrade Package includes a factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 continuous shaft horsepower (SHP). In addition, the package utilizes a new, wide-chord, 100-inch diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller; new composite cowling and high efficiency inlet duct; new 40% larger oil cooler; the existing engine mount with a modified horse collar; new engine hose kit; new Blackhawk Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges; and new Frakes exhaust stacks. In addition, Blackhawk offers full technical support for the life of the aircraft. The upgrade expands Caravan performance margins, effectively doubling the aircraft’s rate of climb while using less fuel, company officials said. Takeoff distances on land or water will be reduced, and takeoff weight, range and true airspeed will increase.
Blackhawk Modifications, founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, has the largest installed fleet of STC twin-engine turboprop engine upgrades, making Blackhawk one of the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines in the world. For more information: Blackhawk.aero.
