Press Release

Issued by Blackhawk Aerospace Upgrades.

July 29, 2014

Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. 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 operators upgrading to the PT6A-140 can expect significant increases in climb performance, cruise speeds, takeoff distances and operations in adverse weather (icing) conditions. Blackhawk is accepting deposits for the PT6A -140 new-engine upgrade and deliveries will begin first quarter 2015. Speak with Blackhawk engine upgrade experts in Exhibit 318 throughout EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. 

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 operators routinely flying above 6,000 feet on hot days with heavy loads. 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. 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.” 

Since 1999, Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. of Waco, Texas, has earned a strong reputation for excellence by creating performance upgrade packages that feature new Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines for improved hot and high altitude horsepower output, cruise speeds and rates of climb. The company offers new-engine upgrade packages for many of the world's most popular business and general aviation aircraft, including the Beechcraft King Air 90 and 200, Piper Cheyenne I/II/IIXL models, the Cessna Model 425 Conquest I, and 208A/208B Caravans.