Blackhawk Aerospace announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for both the 14,000 and 12,500 lb. gross weight versions of the King Air 300. This upgrade removes the standard 1050 shaft horsepower (SHP) PT6A-60A engines and Hartzell 4-blade metal propellers and replaces them with factory-new 1200 SHP PT6A-67A engines and Hartzell 5-blade composite propellers.
The company says the advantages of the upgrades are more available power from the PT6A-67A engines and more available thrust from the advanced shape and aerodynamics of the Hartzell 5-blade composite propeller for superior performance, noise abatement and weight reduction. The results from combining these two products delivers the best performing King Air on the planet.
From the first flight test to the receipt of the STC, Blackhawk’s engineering team completed the task in just nine months and flew 80 hours of certification flights. During flight testing, the power pairing delivered maximum cruise speeds as high as 343 knots true air speed (KTAS) with an initial rate of climb up to 4,000 feet per minute (FPM). This results in a time to climb from SL to FL350 is 19 minutes – cutting the time to climb by more than half over the stock King Air 300. Other benefits include a net gradient of climb at 4.2 percent (a 100% improvement), and single engine climb of 740 fpm (an 80% gain).
The company also states that performance benefits of the XP67A also help to improve the bottom line. Flying in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace can extend range and endurance, which may also lower total fuel consumption, and reduced block times will lower operational costs. Specifically, an operator flying 300 hours a year can expect to save about 50 hours, or $75,000 USD in operating costs.
Blackhawk will be offering a $100,000 discount as a special. Orders placed before Sept. 31, 2019, will qualify.
For more information about the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for the King Air 300, visit www.blackhawk.aero or call +1 (254) 755-6711.
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