Blackhawk Modifications has gotten the FAA seal of approval for its Pratt & Whitney Canada engine upgrade program. The STC swaps out the 675-hp Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-114A for the 850-shp PT6A-42A, an increase of 26 percent. The mod gives operators an increase in takeoff work of 4 percent, 20 percent shorter takeoff performance, and a 15 percent faster cruise speed.
Within days of the certification, Blackhawk had logged 17 orders; the company expected a great deal of interest at Oshkosh.
