Company Calls The Modifications 'Game Changing'

The FAA issued an STC on June 24, 2011, authorizing Blackhawk Modifications to offer the XP42A upgrade for the Cessna Caravan 208B. Jim Allmon, President and CEO, says the company will celebrate the certification at AirVenture.

“This is the ultimate win-win opportunity,” said Allmon. “This upgrade can pay for itself through increased revenue generation and reduced operating costs.  Caravan operators will now have the power they need to take off from the most remote corners of the world, or even their local airports, with greater overall safety margins.”

The new program exchanges the Caravan’s standard Pratt & Whitney Canada (PW&C) 675 SHP PT6A-114A engine for a more powerful 850 SHP PT6A-42A factory-new PW&C power plant. The XP42A program aerodynamically alters the Caravan’s cowling and replaces the aircraft’s original nose with a streamlined carbon composite cowling that accommodates the larger engine. Other enhancements include two new Frakes exhaust stacks, a Hartzell four-blade propeller and a lifetime customer support guarantee. The all-new carbon composite cowling was produced by Blackhawk Composites. Based in Bowling Green, KY, the composites specialist is part of the Blackhawk Modifications performance family.

Blackhawk says the XP42A Upgrade Program will significantly expand Caravan performance margins, effectively doubling the aircraft’s rate of climb while using less fuel. Operators can also expect increased takeoff weight (4%), improved takeoff performance (20%), and increased cruise speed (15% or more). The upgrade also provides free enrollment in CAMP Systems’ Aircraft Maintenance Tracking Program and the Trend Group’s Turbine Trend Analysis Program.

The company has already logged 17 XP42A Upgrade sales, according to Allmon. Work is under way today at the company’s Waco, Texas, facilities, and the first delivery is scheduled for August. “Our team is enthusiastic about this program because it will really make a difference to the operating community.”  Orders are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

FMI: www.blackhawk.aero