Roundup of announcements from NBAA

Roundup of announcements from NBAA

Roundup of announcements from NBAA

In case you missed it, here is a collection of press releases from the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition held in late October in
Las Vegas.

Textron Aviation Service Centers offer Starlink high-speed internet solution for B200/300

Textron Aviation says the King Air B200 and B300 are among the aircraft series on which it can now offer Starlink high-speed internet connectivity following the FAA issuance of AeroMech’s supplemental type certificate.

AeroMech’s STC uses Starlink’s “standalone system” that consists of an antenna, power supply and router, and only requires power input from the aircraft. The technology connects to Starlink’s constellation of low earth orbit satellites that provide more reliable connectivity over land, water and remote areas where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi may not have service.

“In today’s interconnected world, our customers expect to use their aircraft as a mobile office,” said Brian Rohloff, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president, Customer Support. “Offering Starlink for the Beechcraft King Air B200/B300 including popular King Air 250, 260, 350, 350i and 360 models and for the Cessna Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+ and XLS Gen2 positions our customers to experience one of the best possible in-flight connectivity and aviation experiences available today.”

Customers can schedule the upgrade for installation at Textron Aviation Service Centers in North America as well as select international service centers.

Blackhawk debuts new aftermarket parts and avionics e-commerce platform

The Blackhawk Group has launched a new, enterprise-wide aftermarket parts and avionics e-commerce platform to streamline operations. Find it at exchange.blackhawkgroup.aero.

The all-in-one solution encompasses used parts and avionics inventory across six U.S. locations: KACT in Waco, Texas; KCOU in Columbia, Missouri; KCMA in Camarillo, California; KFNL in Loveland, Colorado; and two facilities at KBJC in Broomfield, Colorado.

“This new platform simplifies the process of acquiring valuable aircraft parts and serves as a one-stop solution for aviation professionals seeking hard-to-find equipment,” said Beau Hawkins, director of Sales at the Blackhawk Performance Centers at KCOU and KBJC.

Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ upgrade for King Air 360 nears certification

Blackhawk is close to securing FAA STC approval for the integration of its XP67A Engine+ upgrade with Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics system. Once certified, it will be available as an aftermarket upgrade option.

“This certification brings significant value to King Air 360 owners and operators, offering a powerful and efficient engine upgrade option,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Aerospace. “Integrated with the Pro Line Fusion avionics system, the XP67A Engine+ upgrade enhances the capabilities and market value of these aircraft. This certification effort expands eligibility for over 300 recently delivered aircraft to fly with Pratt & Whitney’s PT6A-67A engines and the latest and greatest Pro Line Fusion avionics system from Collins.”

According to Blackhawk’s press release, the PT6A-67A engine delivers 1,050 SHP to altitude, significantly outperforming the baseline stock engines that are mission optimized but start losing power at lower altitudes. Paired with MT 5-blade composite propeller, the upgrade transforms the King Air 360 into a high-performance, fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing operational costs and increasing longevity.

The Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics system provides an advanced user interface with high-resolution touchscreen displays, synthetic vision system and next-generation flight management and communication tools, further enhancing safety and situational awareness. Specifically, the upgrade to Fusion adds new features such as datalink option enabling CPDLC (FANS1/A+ Domestic & ATNB1), Privacy ICAO Address, integration with the Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ upgrade and the ability to add all factory options in the aftermarket.

Get additional details online at blackhawk.aero or from any authorized Blackhawk or Collins approved dealer. 

About the Author