A Cessna Grand Caravan operated by the Colombian National Police is the first to receive a Vy Engine+ upgrade courtesy of Blackhawk, an industry leader in STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades, with a second aircraft nearing completion and expected to return to service in early May.

Both aircraft feature the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engine, delivering a substantial increase in horsepower and performance. The upgraded Caravans support demanding surveillance, reconnaissance and special operations missions, including monitoring strategic targets and transporting special forces in challenging jungle environments.

Operating from hot and high airfields, the aircraft previously faced limitations with their PT6A-114A engine, requiring strict planning around payload, fuel and departure conditions due to high-density altitude constraints. With the PT6A-42A upgrade, those limitations are mitigated.

The pilots of the upgraded Caravan said that the aircraft ‘feels like it wants to take off immediately’, and that upon rotation, the aircraft starts ‘climbing like a rocket’.

The increase from 675 SHP to 850 SHP delivers significantly improved climb and cruise performance, enabling operators to complete multiple additional missions per day.

With the second aircraft expected to be completed in early May, The Blackhawk Group continues to deliver performance solutions that expand capability, flexibility and mission effectiveness for the Colombian National Police.