Blackhawk Modifications upgrades King Air 350 engine

The STC will allow the Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-67A 1,200-shaft-horsepower engine to replace the standard PT6A-60A 1,050-shp engines in the King Air 350. Because the higher horsepower engine will require a more robust propeller assembly, Blackhawk has worked with MT Propeller to develop a migration path. MT will exchange the hubs and spinners on King Air 350s with the five-blade composite propellers currently installed "for a small fee" and will reset the propeller warranty to two years.

The company reports that "performance results continue to exceed expectations," noting that in hot climate conditions, the XP67A can climb from sea level to its service ceiling of 35,000 feet "in as little as 18 minutes," compared with 45 minutes for stock engines. Typical cruise speeds are increased by as much as 37 knots true airspeed and can reach up to 340 KTAS at maximum engine power limits. The company said in a news release that "operators looking for increased endurance and range can throttle back and extend capabilities due to better specific fuel consumption ratings."

The company is now accepting pre-certification orders for the XP67A with a $50,000 refundable deposit. The company said that it has contracted with Pratt and Whitney to offer the XP67A under the Converter Exchange Program (CEP) and requires the core PT6A-60A engines to be returned. Qualifying core engines will be issued credit at $70 per hour per engine for time remaining to the 3,600 TBO.

During the National Business Aviation Association's Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, the company will have a display at the Orange County Convention Center off the main aisle in South Exhibit Hall A, booth #1119.