WACO, Texas, October 03, 2012 – Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., a global leader in development, installation and support of single- and twin-engine turboprop aircraft performance improvements, is in the final stages of completing its flight testing to earn a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft operators worldwide to install the same XP42A Upgrade Package that has increased the flight capabilities of the Cessna 208B Caravan since June 2011.
According to Blackhawk President and CEO Jim Allmon, two Caravan customers already have completed contracts for the new upgrade package. Beginning at NBAA, Blackhawk will be accepting pre-certification orders and offering a limited number of special pricing packages. Visitors may discuss the XP42A Upgrade Package and other Blackhawk programs at the company exhibit, Booth No. 4112, Hall SB, at the Orange County Convention Center, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1.
The FAA is expected to approve the new STC during the fourth quarter of 2012. In addition, approvals from international certification agencies are under way.
“The remarkable success of our XP42A Upgrade Package has prompted Blackhawk to invest in the marketplace and again expand our products and services,” Allmon said. “These STCs will enable Blackhawk to offer the outstanding capabilities and efficiency of the XP42A package to the entire Cessna Caravan fleet.”
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 percent 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 significantly expands Caravan performance margins, effectively doubling the aircraft’s rate of climb while using less fuel. Takeoff distances on land or water will be reduced, and takeoff weight, range and true airspeed will increase.
These performance upgrades make the Caravan a more valuable airlift asset for utility and special missions worldwide, ranging from business and passenger flights and freight hauling to air ambulance service, surveillance and patrol, and skydiving. The Cessna 208 Caravan is one of the most popular utility aircraft in the world.
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, is a recognized aviation leader in providing engine performance solutions to the turboprop fleet. The company has the largest installed fleet of STC twin-engine turboprop engine upgrades, making Blackhawk the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines in the world. A worldwide network of approved dealers and service support centers complements Blackhawk’s U.S. facilities. For more information, see the company’s website: www.blackhawk.aero.
