XP42A is a superior, FAA-certified upgrade package (PT6A-42A engines, Blackhawk Composites cowling, props and more) that harnesses the power of the Blackhawk organization, and its experience and expertise, to deliver a complete performance solution to Caravan operators. Upgrading your aircraft with the industry’s best Caravan performance solution is a sound business decision that will pay for itself through increased revenue generation and reduced operating costs.
Key Benefits
Double rate of climb while using less fuel
Increased takeoff weight of 4%
Improved takeoff performance
Increased cruise speed of 15+%
Greater safety margins
First Flight
'Great People'
“Aviation is a tough business, especially finding people you trust, but Blackhawk will be more than their word…they are great people…”
An airline out of Katmandu would be able to carry 6 or 7 more passengers with luggage and equipment to and from a remote, 2,500-foot mountain airstrip at 12,000 feet above sea level.
Once limited to just a few hundred pounds, a humanitarian operator could transport nearly 1 ton of food into remote villages, landing safely on a short dirt strip.
A skydive operator would have the ability to carry an additional 3-4 jumpers to 12,000 feet four times an hour (instead of 3 times an hour).
A special operations unit could deliver additional troops and equipment into hot, high-altitude areas where even a helicopter can’t operate.
A freight hauler in Colorado would be able to safely climb out of ice without diverting or changing flight plans.
A seaplane operator could take off on floats from rivers and lakes currently inaccessible due to power limitations.
'Great People'
“Aviation is a tough business, especially finding people you trust, but Blackhawk will be more than their word…they are great people…”
“Aviation is a tough business, especially finding people you trust, but Blackhawk will be more than their word…they are great people…”
Mike Chaplin, Owner
'Good for Cash Flow'
“The new Blackhawk engines increase the performance of our aircraft and allow us to reduce the flight time…for the same commercial price. It is very good for the company cash flow.”
Albert Ruoso, BL-11
'Helps With Operating Costs'
“The improved speed and performance really adds up on our long flights and helps with our operating costs.”
Scott Dean, Flight King, LLC, BB 360
My engine still has time left to TBO, can I do the upgrade now?
Yes. P&WC offers a generous engine credit of $50 per hour for every hour remaining to the factory TBO on -114A engines. The risk of waiting until TBO is that you could have some sort of engine problem that might cause a core charge. Because P&WC raises prices each year, waiting two or three years just means you will pay more and not get any of the time remaining credits.
Do you give the same credit for the MORE program TBO?
No. P&WC issues the core credits and does not recognize the MORE program. However, P&WC will accept an engine past TBO as a run-out core if it meets acceptance criteria.
How much does it cost to overhaul a PT6A-42A engine?
P&WC has an average price for normal first run PT6A-42A engines of $240,000.
What is the TBO of the PT6A-42A engine?
The standard HSI is 1,800 hours with a TBO of 3,600 hours. For operators who qualify for a trend monitoring program, P&WC has extended the TBO to 5,000 hours and offers an on-condition HSI.
Can I keep my core?
Only if you are willing to pay P&WC for the core, since the price already reflects the value of the core. Prices will depend on core engine times.
Can I put the airplane on charter?
Yes. In fact many charter companies prefer a Blackhawk-upgraded aircraft, as it allows them to operate out of shorter runways in the mountains.
How much weight does the upgrade add?
80 pounds.
Are there any modifications to the airframe?
Yes, this is almost a firewall-forward modification. The nose landing gear and strut, original leg truss and most systems parts, including wiring and hard-plumbing, are retained, but everything else is new or modified. All of the modified or new components are primarily supplied by Blackhawk.
What do you offer that I can’t get from anyone else, including just overhauling my engine?
With all businesses, a lower valued or inferior product must offer a lower price in order to compete. What needs to be taken into consideration is the value of product support, product branding, product liability insurance, and resale value.
Blackhawk is the only engine upgrade that offers the following exclusive benefits for the Cessna Caravan:
Dedicated customer support department with on-staff technical support technician, customer service representative, and worldwide distribution and service center network
One of the first companies to have its engine upgrade listed in Aircraft Bluebook and Vref
The largest installed fleet of upgraded corporate size turboprop aircraft in the world
The only engine upgrade company to have an aircraft manufacturer change its assembly line to incorporate the same engine on production aircraft, creating the King Air C90GT
The Blackhawk Owner’s Group receives discounts in flight training as well as maintenance discounts at select Blackhawk service centers around the world.
What about resale value?
To date, nearly every Blackhawk that has been resold within 500 hours of flying time has sold at, or, in many cases, higher than, the combined investment of the airframe and engines. Resale value of Blackhawk-modified aircraft remains strong in all markets. Many dealers are even speculating on Blackhawk-upgraded aircraft.
What is the lead time on my new engine?
Blackhawk orders all engines a year in advance, so we usually can have an engine delivered within 60 days or sooner in some cases. Call for the next available engine. Delivery positions are now being reserved.
