Isle of Man-based aircraft delivery and ferry service provider Aerodynamics is to upgrade its Grand Caravan aircraft engine with Blackhawk's XP42A package.

The company has specialised since 1989 in the efficient movement of aircraft all around the world, including kit planes, piston singles, warbirds, piston twins and float planes, right up to business jets and transport aircraft. Its Grand Caravan is based at Ronaldsway airport, and is used for charter flights throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. "The XP42A upgrade package is a welcome improvement to our Grand Caravan," says md Martin Courage. "The installation's enhanced performance will make the 208B a more reliable and efficient aircraft for our customers and also yield stronger revenues that will justify our investment for the long term."

"It is entirely appropriate that this milestone upgrade is an XP42A package for Aerodynamics," says Blackhawk ceo Jim Allmon. "We offer exceptionally productive, high value-added performance systems that are clearly worth the investment."

The XP42A upgrade features a factory-new PT6A-42A engine with 850 continuous shaft horsepower, and a 1,000-hour, no-calendar-limit manufacturer warranty.

The system also features a wide-chord, 100-inch diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller; composite cowling and high efficiency inlet duct; 40 per cent larger oil cooler; four-point engine mount ring assembly and engine mount isolators; engine hose kit; Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges; and Frakes exhaust stacks. The system effectively doubles the standard climb rate for the Cessna 208B, says Blackhawk. Cruise speed also increases by up to 15 per cent, and both take-off performance and safety margins increase while operating costs are reduced.

Fifteen XP42A systems have been installed to date, including one for the Centre Ecole Parachutisme Sportif (CEPS) de l'Ariège in south-eastern France, and another at Skydive Dubai.

CEPS operates two aircraft at its skydiving centre, and is benefiting from the improved climb rate and lower fuel consumption. "The Blackhawk Caravan has greatly increased our flight productivity," says CEPS president Franck Buisson.

Skydive Dubai flies from a private airstrip near the base of the Palm Jumeira development. "Our upgraded Caravan is an outstanding performer even in Dubai's extremely hot climate," reports the company's Heath Haley.