By Brent Bundy | October 19, 2022 Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 34 seconds.
For over 20 years, Blackhawk Aerospace has been providing engine upgrades for various aircraft models, particularly Beechcraft King Airs and Cessna Caravans. On the opening day of NBAA-BACE 2022 in Orlando, Florida, the company announced the newest target for its powerplant improvements, the Pilatus PC-12.
A longtime favorite of the single-engine turboprop crowd, the Swiss-made single is well-known for its versatility and reliability. Powered by variations of the class-favorite Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6, the PC-12 has never been short on power, but there is always room for improvement. That is where Blackhawk is stepping in.
Senior VP of business development Bob Kromer sat down with Skies Magazine during the show to offer insight into the new XP67P Engine+ Upgrade.
“The King Air has always been our bread and butter, that is our sweet spot,” he said. “However, we’re always looking for new opportunities to provide our customers with what they want and what they need. And what they have told us is that they want more power and performance out of their Legacy PC-12s.”
The XP67P is specifically for Legacy PC-12 41/45/47 models. The original PT6A-67B is swapped out with the more powerful and more efficient PT6A-67P.
“Traditionally, this upgrade would be for a customer who is ready for an overhaul,” added Kromer. “But the improvements this program provides are attractive to operators preparing for an overhaul, a hot section inspection, or even if they just want the added performance.”
While owners will be able to keep the stock four-bladed propeller in use, additional five- and seven-bladed props are planned for future availability. The additions that the XP67P offers include 20 to 30 KTAS faster cruise speed, 20 to 30 percent better climb performance, and 50 C (122 F) higher Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) limitation. That higher ITT coupled with an increased thermodynamic horsepower equates to the ability to utilize full power all the way to FL250.
“This is a customer-driven package,” explained Kromer. “We went to POPA (Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association) and asked owners what they wanted. They all love their PC-12s but they wanted two things: better climb and cruise performance. That is exactly what we are providing with this upgrade.”
Included with the package are a Garmin digital EIS (Engine Information System), a 2,500-hour/five-year warranty with prorated coverage to the 3,500 TBO, and a flight manual supplement with full performance charts.
Proof of customer confidence in the company’s offerings, and evidence that it has targeted the right audience, is shown with the five kits that have already been sold pre-certification.
Baseline testing is now complete, and Blackhawk has installed and is flying the 1,200-shaft-horsepower PT6A-67P. The company is currently in the FAA STC approval process with expected completion in Q2 2023, with EASA compliance expected soon after.
Blackhawk Aerospace is available to discuss the XP67P program all week during the convention at Booth #4819.
