Waco, Texas-based Blackhawk Modifications is getting close to achieving STC approval for its Cessna 208A XP42A upgrade package, which replaces the 675 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A with an 850 shp PT6A-42A engine spinning a 100-inch-diameter Hartzell four-blade prop.
The performance of the new engine is monitored by Blackhawk’s Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges and the package also includes a carbon-fiber engine cowling and high-efficiency inlet duct, twin exhaust stacks from Frakes and a 40 percent larger oil cooler. The sum of the modifications, Blackhawk says, result in double the climb performance with a lower fuel consumption compared with the stock version of the turboprop.
