Press Release

Issued by Blackhawk Aerospace Upgrades.

February 26, 2016

From the famous Spice Islands and blue lagoons of the Swahili coast to the world class wildlife of the southern, western and northern national parks, Fly Safari Airlink operates a network of air routes across some of the most exciting and remote parts of Tanzania.

Recently, Fly Safari Airlink upgraded two of its Cessna Grand Caravans with Blackhawk's new XP140 performance upgrade. “It is much more cost effective for us over the longer routes. Not only do we get our customers to their destinations more quickly, but we save engine and airframe time on our 'new' Caravans” said Peter Fox, owner of Fly Link Safari.

Blackhawk Modifications received FAA STC approval for their XP140 performance upgrade on the Cessna Caravan 208 and 208B in October 2015. The more powerful Pratt & Whitney 867 SHP PT6A-140 engine replaces the original 600/675 SHP PT6A-114/-114A, bringing new levels of performance and capability to the hardworking Caravan fleet. Also with a factory-new engine, the XP140 performance upgrade includes a new Ametek 325-amp starter/generator, new digital/analog engine instruments, a Hartzell three-blade 106” propeller, and a higher capacity engine oil cooler, all while retaining the existing engine mount, cowling, and exhaust system.

“With eight Blackhawk-equipped Cessna Caravans flying in Africa, our engine upgrade program has proven to be quite successful in this part of the world,” says Cisca de Lange, regional sales manager for Blackhawk. “Increased horsepower makes a huge impact for operators flying safari tours and wildlife transport missions and gives the pilots an airplane that simply does more.”

Blackhawk Modifications is a recognized leader in providing engine performance solutions to the turboprop fleet. The company has the largest installed fleet of STC approved turboprop engine upgrades and is the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines in the world. Along with an aircraft sales/brokerage department, Blackhawk has a global network of approved dealers and service support centers.