Press Release
Issued by Blackhawk Aerospace Upgrades.
March 10, 2009
Blackhawk Modifications, the leading provider of engine upgrades for turbine powered aircraft, has launched a new engine upgrade for the Cessna 208 Caravan series. The 850 SHP Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine represents the latest entry into the Blackhawk family of new XP engine upgrades. Certification is expected in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Jim Allmon, President and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications, announced the addition to the Blackhawk line: "Caravan owners have been clamoring for the same value and performance benefits that our engine upgrades have brought to King Airs, Cheyennes and Conquests. Caravan operators fly in remote and sometimes dangerous situations. They need the extra power that our XP42A brings them to get in and out of the most challenging places: lakes, rivers, ice flows, dirt roads, grass strips. And, yes, even some airports."
"And nobody can beat the reliability of a Pratt & Whitney continuous 850 SHP factory new engine," Allmon continued. "It's another perfect match."
"The XP42A gives the Caravan operator significantly improved takeoff, climb and cruise performance even with our 4% increase in takeoff weight. The engines boast a minimum 20% improved takeoff performance and a minimum 15% increase in cruise speed – even more for hot and high conditions. The fuel specifics are better, and there are greater safety margins across the board," states Director of Engineering, Corey Eckhart.
Blackhawk has the largest non OEM engine contract in force with Pratt & Whitney. The engines are priced based on the Pratt exchange program and generous credit is issued for time remaining to overhaul on core PT6A-114/A engines.
Included in the upgrade package will be the following:
· One (1) factory new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine rated at 850 SHP continuous, exchange
· 2,500 hour or five year engine warranty from Pratt & Whitney
· One (1) factory new wide chord 100 inch diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller
· New autoclave cured carbon-fiber composite cowling and high efficiency inlet duct
· New 40 percent larger oil cooler
· One four-point engine mount ring assembly and all new engine mount isolators
· New engine hose kit
· New Blackhawk "Hawkeye" DigiLog engine gauges
· Two each new Frakes Exhaust stacks
· Flight manual supplement with full flight test certified performance
· Maintenance and repair manuals
· Full technical support throughout the life of the airplane
"We're urging Caravan operators to call and reserve their PT6A-42A now. Already the interest in these new engine upgrades has been extremely high," said Edwin Black, Director of Sales and Marketing. "Delivery positions are limited in 2009 and we want to be able to accommodate everyone who's expressed an interest in this new upgrade." A $10,000 fully refundable deposit will reserve a 2009 delivery position.
