Blackhawk Aerospace Reveals Upgrades At NBAA-BACE

Blackhawk Aerospace unveiled its new “Elite Performance Package” for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft at the 2024 NBAA-BACE show in Las Vegas, offering enhanced performance and operator cost savings. Additionally, the company has begun flight testing for its XP66D engine upgrade onboard the BM 700-series aircraft.

Blackhawk’s Pilatus PC-12 upgrade is now available as a comprehensive package, which includes an upgrade to Pratt & Whitney Canada’s (P&WC) PT6A-67P engine—offering 1,200 shp for faster climbs, higher speeds and increased fuel efficiency. The new engine then turns the upgraded MT 7-blade composite propeller, which is the first seven-blade propeller for the PC-12. Additionally, the upgrade includes an electrical “Bus Tie” enhancement and a variety of battery options.

“With the combination of the engine and the propeller, I think a lot of times people underestimate the ability to get to a higher altitude quicker and really deliver the best performance that you get out of these triple-prop engines,” said Blackhawk CEO Chad Cundiff.

Blackhawk completed baseline testing for its TBM 700-series Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program, using P&WC’s PT6A-66D engine. According to Blackhawk, the testbed aircraft made its inaugural flight in September.

“The first-flight milestone represents a key advancement in our STC program, bringing increased power, performance and sustainability to TBM 700 owners,” said Blackhawk President Edwin Black. “The PT6A-66D engine will redefine the aircraft’s capabilities and offer substantial benefits to operators.”

According to Black, the PT6A-66D engine upgrade is expected to complete its STC process by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Blackhawk is also in the process of certifying its XP67A Engine+ upgrade for King Air 360 aircraft equipped with Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion avionics system. Upon certification, the upgrade will be available as an aftermarket option.

“This certification brings significant value to King Air 360 owners and operators, offering a powerful and efficient engine upgrade option,” Black said. “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.”

In addition to its new upgrade packages, Blackhawk launched its new aftermarket parts and avionics e-commerce platform, which is comprised of inventory from its six locations across the U.S. According to Beau Hawkins, director of sales at Blackhawk Performance Centers at Columbia Regional Airport and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, the platform “simplifies the process of acquiring valuable aircraft parts and serves as a one-stop solution for aviation professionals seeking hard-to-find equipment.”