Page 36 - Volume 10 Number 10

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Blackhawk Launches New Engine Program for King Air 350 Series
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. announced details of their newest XP Engine + Upgrade program for the King Air 350. The company is developing a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that will allow the installation and operation of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engine to replace the existing PT6A-60A engines on the King Air 350 model. The Blackhawk program, called the XP67A Engine+ Upgrade, is currently installed on Blackhawk’s King Air 350 that will be used as the STC test aircraft during the experimental flight process. The company anticipates receiving the STC in the second quarter of 2017.
The PT6A-67A engine is a 1200 SHP power plant that will replace the existing 1050 SHP PT6A-60A
engine currently certified on the King Air 350 model. Blackhawk’s STC will flat rate the 1200 SHP to the airframe limit of 1050 SHP allowing an operator to take advantage of more than 400 thermodynamic shaft horsepower per engine in climb and cruise settings (1825 ESHP). This higher thermodynamic rating will also improve takeoff and climb performance in high altitude and hot ambient temperature conditions.
The initial performance results have exceeded forecast projections. In hot climate conditions, the XP67A will climb from sea level to its service ceiling of FL350 in as little as 18 minutes – more than doubling the rate of climb. Typical cruise speeds are increased by up to 37 KTAS and can settle in at up to 340 KTAS if an operator chooses to fly at maximum engine power limits. Operators looking for increased endurance and range can throttle back and extend capabilities due to better specific fuel consumption ratings. Blackhawk’s STC will include a new Flight Manual Supplement with full performance for flight planning purposes.
The company says it worked very closely with Pratt & Whitney to bring the PT6 engine model that will boost the King Air 350 to the next level, which pushes the aircraft above and beyond what can be achieved with many jets. The XP67A will attain jet like speeds,
34 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2016