PRESS RELEASE | Blackhawk Begins Flight Testing for Fastest King Air Program: XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for the King Air 300 Series

ORLANDO, Florida – October 15, 2018 – Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. announced today that flight testing is formally underway for the Company’s latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program: the XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade for the King Air 300.

“The XP67A will transform the King Air 300 from a turboprop into a rocket ship,” said Jim Allmon, President and CEO at Blackhawk. “The expected climb performance, cruise speeds, and load carrying capability will be unlike anything we’ve produced at Blackhawk thus far. The XP67A will elevate the King Air 300 into a league all its own, unmatched by any turboprop or light jet available today.”

This project will certify the installation of factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67A engines to replace the stock PT6A-60A engines on 12,500-pound and 14,000-pound gross weight models of the King Air 300. Both engine models are rated at 1,050 horsepower at sea level in standard day conditions. However, Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade delivers more available power at higher density altitudes, with very impressive levels of takeoff, climb, and cruise performance well into the Flight Levels.

Conducted per the exacting standards of FAA Part 23 regulations, Blackhawk’s STC flight test program will evaluate and measure such areas as single- and multi-engine handling qualities, aircraft performance, engine and accessory cooling, stall speeds and characteristics, landing characteristics, propeller noise and vibration, and high-speed airframe/engine characteristics.

The Blackhawk flight test schedule can vary based on test results, but generally requires between 8-10 months for completion. Extensive flight test instrumentation will be used by Blackhawk during the flight test program for precise and exact measurement of aircraft and engine performance parameters.

Blackhawk expects the King Air 300 XP67A upgrade to surpass its big brother – the XP67A-powered King Air 350 – in the race for the World’s Fastest King Air title due to the lighter-weight airframe. The Company expects maximum cruise speeds of 345-350 KTAS, and time to climb from sea level to FL350 in less than 17 minutes.

XP67A performance benefits extend to the bottom line. Taking advantage of Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace extends range and endurance and lowers total fuel consumption. Further, reduced block times will lower operational costs.

The King Air 300 XP67A upgrade kit will include two factory-new P&WC PT6A-67A engines, P&WC new engine warranty of five years or 2,500 hours, installation drawings, STC paperwork, Approved Flight Manual Supplement, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, P&WC entitlement training from FlightSafety International for PT6A line maintenance, and a two-year subscription for P&WC engine maintenance/parts manuals.

Blackhawk Engineering expects the FAA STC for the King Air 300 to be issued summer of 2019. For King Air 300 operators looking for peak performance, pre-certification orders are now being accepted for XP67A delivery positions. Qualifying core PT6A-60A engines will be issued a generous credit at $70 per hour/per engine for time remaining to the 3,600-hour TBO.

Blackhawk will be offering a $50,000 pre-certification discount for orders placed prior to the STC approval. Contact Blackhawk for pricing details, engine credits, and rebates available for your King Air 300.

For more information on the XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade for the King Air 300, join Blackhawk at NBAA in Orlando, FL October 16-18 at booth #4119. Blackhawk’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, Bob Kromer, will also host a press conference on Monday, October 15^th, at 10:00 AM Eastern in room N220A.

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