New upgrade program for Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine

Blackhawk Modifications president
Jim Allmon announced a new upgrade program for the Pratt and Whitney PT6A turboprop
engine. The company is working with the National Civil Aviation Agency to
gain Brazilian certification for its XP42A Upgrade Package for the Cessna 208B
Caravan.

The XP42A received FAA
Supplemental Type Certification in June and a fully upgraded Caravan will be on
display for the first time at AirVenture Oshkosh next week.

South
America is the second largest
market for Cessna Caravans with about 14 percent of the global Caravan fleet,
nearly 300 aircraft, flying commercial, civil and military roles. Central and
South American nations flying the Caravan in military service include Brazil, Chile,
Columbia and Mexico.

The XP42A Upgrade Package
includes installation of a factory-new, fully warrantied Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A
turbine engine, a new cowling to accommodate the larger power plant and other
modifications that combine to transform aircraft’s performance and
capabilities.  The upgrade package increases true airspeed and rate of
climb, reduces time and fuel to climb and takeoff distances, while improving
maximum range.  In addition to making legacy Caravans more productive, the
upgrade lowers operating costs.