WACO, Texas, July 1, 2013 –The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on June 10 authorizing Blackhawk to sell and install the XP42A Upgrade Package on Cessna Caravan 208A aircraft, Jim Allmon, President and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., announced today. Now, those who fly 208As can enjoy the same operational and economic benefits that have made the upgrade so popular with the 208B community.
“Our team is enthusiastic about this program because it will really make a difference to the Caravan fleet,” Allmon said. “We’ve had strong demand for the upgrade, which adds so much more capability to an already capable workhorse aircraft.”
First deliveries will start this month. The upgrade has already been proven by more than two dozen successful XP42A installations in 208B Caravans operating worldwide.
The X42A 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; new Blackhawk DigiLog engine gauges, and new exhaust stacks.
The upgrade significantly expands Caravan performance margins, effectively doubling the airrcaft’s rate of climb while using less fuel. All of these enhancements make the Caravan a more valuable and cost-effective asset for literally dozens of missions worldwide.
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.
