Blackhawk Announces New FAA-Approved Trend Monitoring System For the XP42A Caravan Upgrade Package

Nov. 1, 2012
The XP42A Upgrade Package exchanges the Caravan's factory installed engine for a new, fully warrantied PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 continuous horsepower, and will include the Ultra Trend Monitoring System as an option in future installations.

WACO, Texas, November 1, 2012 – Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., a global leader in the design, development and installation of single- and twin-engine turboprop aircraft upgrades, will feature Flightline System’s new Ultra Trend Monitoring System in its XP42A Upgrade Package for Cessna 208B Caravan utility aircraft. Blackhawk announced the new system at NBAA2012, the National Business Aviation Association’s 65th Annual Meeting & Convention, in Orlando, Fla.

          The Ultra Trend Monitoring System recently received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use in Cessna Grand Caravans equipped with the Blackhawk XP42A Engine Upgrade. The XP42A Upgrade Package exchanges the Caravan’s factory installed engine for a new, fully warrantied PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 continuous horsepower, and will include the Ultra Trend Monitoring System as an option in future installations.

          “Blackhawk is fully committed to improving performance and value for our customers,” said Jim Allmon, Blackhawk president and CEO. “Trend monitoring enables Caravan operators to derive full advantage from the capabilities and efficiencies of the XP42A program, adding to its safety, reliability and efficiency.”

          Trend monitoring is a proven process for tracking engine flight data to detect and diagnose even minor engine performance changes. The system enables qualified and experienced maintenance technicians to detect potential problems at the earliest possible point, often preventing secondary, more costly damage. This capability maximizes cost-effective aircraft maintenance operations and contributes to improved engine performance and flight safety. The system’s electronic monitors automatically provide real-time evaluations of components and systems throughout the operational cycle, not just during scheduled maintenance periods. It can transmit data to professional evaluators who provide online, interactive systems that notify operators that problems should be checked and corrected. The Ultra Trend Monitoring System is endorsed by Pratt & Whitney and may qualify operators for extended engine time between overhauls (TBOs).    

          As features of its XP42A and other upgrade packages, Blackhawk also includes a free year of maintenance tracking from CAMP Systems International, and Blackhawk pays for the first year of trend monitoring with The Trend Group.

          Prospective customers and visitors can discuss Blackhawk upgrade packages and trend monitoring at the company’s NBAA2012 exhibit, No. 4112, Hall SB.

          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. 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.  

          Blackhawk, 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, please visit www.blackhawk.aero.