OSHKOSH — Blackhawk Modifications of Waco, Texas, is adding a new engine upgrade option for Cessna 208A Caravan and 208B Grand Caravan aircraft.
Blackhawk is certifying the 867 horsepower PT6A-140 engine as a direct aftermarket replacement for the standard PT6A-114 (600 horsepower) or the PT6A-114A (675 horsepower) in those aircraft.
Caravan owners upgrading to the PT6A-140 can expect “significant increases in climb performance, cruise speeds, takeoff distances and operations in adverse weather (icing) conditions,” according to company officials.
Blackhawk is accepting deposits for the PT6A -140 new-engine upgrade and deliveries will begin first quarter 2015.
Blackhawk currently offers the 850 horsepower PT6A-42A engine to Caravan 208A/208B operators as a higher-power upgrade. As part of a show special, operators who order a Blackhawk XP42A Grand Caravan engine upgrade during EAA AirVenture will save $50,000.
The PT6A-42A is optimized for Caravan owners routinely flying above 6,000 feet on hot days with heavy loads, according to company officials.
” The new PT6A-140 alternative should prove to be excellent for lower-altitude float plane and package delivery operators desiring higher horsepower at reduced cost,” officials continued in a prepared release. “The newly announced PT6A-140 engine upgrade will provide Caravan operators a lower cost upgrade alternative, utilizing most of the standard aircraft’s major firewall-forward components and cowling.”
“Breathing new life into existing turboprop airplanes with new-engine upgrades makes good sense, both financially and operationally,” said Jim Allmon, Blackhawk’s President and CEO. “It’s a great value for our customers and is our way of helping owners and operators fly existing airplanes with like-new performance at greatly reduced cost.”