Blackhawk's Performance Center at Columbia Regional airport in Missouri has successfully completed validation testing with Collins Aerospace to enable compatibility of the Pro Line Fusion Phase 4++/ Version 3.7 software for all King Air 350 and 360 aircraft equipped with Blackhawk's XP67A Engine+ upgrade, combining industry-leading avionics capabilities with significantly enhanced aircraft performance.

Blackhawk's Columbia-based Performance Center, an authorised Collins Aerospace dealer, has supported multiple validation and certification projects with Collins and is certified to perform Pro Line Fusion software upgrades on any Fusion-equipped King Airs.

The XP67A upgrade, using the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines, consistently delivers substantially more horsepower to higher altitudes, significantly outperforming the baseline engines installed on the King Air 350. Optimised for high-altitude performance, the XP67A upgrade allows operators to climb higher and cruise faster, with typical cruise speeds reaching up to 332 kts. The upgrade transforms the King Air 350 and 360 into a high-performance, fuel-efficient aircraft, while reducing operational costs and improving long-term engine durability. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are RTX businesses.

The Pro Line Fusion Phase 4++ / Version 3.7 software upgrade introduces several advanced avionics capabilities, including: Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) – enables next-generation text-based communication with air traffic control for clearances and handoffs, reducing reliance on traditional radio communications; integrated Terrain Awareness Warning System (iTAWS) – provides enhanced audible and visual terrain alerts displayed directly on the primary flight and multi-function displays; touchscreen flight deck controls – allows pilots to interact with avionics through intuitive touchscreen inputs, enabling a more heads-up flying experience; Synthetic Vision System (SVS) – provides a 3D, forward-looking visual representation of terrain and obstacles for improved situational awareness; and Privacy ICAO Address (PIA) – enables operators to use an alternate ICAO address to help protect aircraft identity and improve operational privacy.

“Blackhawk is laser-focused on delivering the latest safety technologies and performance enhancements for our customers, and the combination of the XP67A engines with Collins' Pro Line Fusion avionics is a home run,” says Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk's proprietary upgrades division. “We are honoured to continue supporting the King Air community with a certification that brings significant value to more than 300 recently delivered King Air 350i and 360 owners and operators.”

“Thank you to Collins Aerospace for its continued collaboration and support,” adds Conrad Theisen, vice president of King Air programmes for the Blackhawk Performance Centers. “We remain committed to supporting the King Air fleet while expanding support for Blackhawk's XP67A upgrade on aircraft delivered with Fusion avionics.”

Blackhawk invites King Air owners and operators to explore the benefits of XP Engine+ upgrades, now available with all Pro Line Fusion software phases. For additional information on upgrade eligibility, pricing, and installation options, contact an authorised Blackhawk or Collins Aerospace dealer.