Blackhawk Announces Imminent FAA Certification of Powerful New 867 Horsepower XP140 Engine Upgrade for 208A/B Cessna Caravans

UPGRADE PROVIDES NEW-AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE AT A FRACTION OF THE COST

OSHKOSH, Wisc., July 19, 2015 —Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., today announced that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is imminent for its 867 horsepower XP140 new-engine upgrade for Cessna 208A and 208B Caravans.

The more powerful PT6A-140 engine provides up to a 44 percent increase in available horsepower over a stock aircraft and is designed to replace the original 600/675 horsepower engine in non-G1000 equipped Caravans. Other performance highlights (comparisons are to stock Grand Caravan) include:

• 41 percent improvement in rate of climb
• 20 percent reduction in takeoff distance
• 10- to 12-knot cruise speed improvement
• Climb at 1,275 feet per minute
• Cruise speed of 191 knots
• Range up to 904 nm

Nine operators have placed deposits to date. Deliveries will begin promptly after the Supplemental Type Certificate is received.

Installation of the exceptionally cost-effective system is fast and allows operators to retain many components from their original -114/-114A powered aircraft, according to Jim Allmon, Blackhawk Modifications President and CEO.

“These like-new levels of performance, capability and lifting power represent a true reinvention of the Caravan,” Allmon said. “XP140 was developed to provide value, and, as the lowest-priced new-engine upgrade on the market, it delivers in a big way.”

Engine upgrade experts will be available to answer questions and take orders at the Blackhawk exhibit (No. 307) during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 20-26. An upgraded Cessna Caravan and a King Air C90 will be on display in the Blackhawk exhibit throughout the event.

The cowling, engine mount and exhaust system may all be retained with the Blackhawk -140 installation, assuming they are in good condition. This helps contain upgrade costs and limits installation time to just one week.

Blackhawk’s -140 upgrade includes a 325 amp starter/generator manufactured by Ametek, new Hartzell 106-inch, three-blade propeller and spinner, new Howell digital/analog engine instruments, larger capacity oil cooler and ducting, all wiring harnesses, installation instructions and FAA-approved flight manual supplements. It is a complete engine kit for a seamless installation that greatly enhances the capability of the aircraft.

“Many Caravans are working airplanes, and this upgrade will instantly increase mission capability, safety, speed, and profits,” Allmon said. “For those Caravan operators who want like-new aircraft performance and capability at far less cost, our -140 plug and play new engine upgrade is perfect.”

Additional certifications for float-equipped Caravans and aircraft outside the U.S. are also planned.