Blackhawk Modifications Inc., continues to see steady growth and interest in turboprop aircraft upgrades and refurbishments. More powerful engines, advanced avionics, aerodynamic improvements – all can be added to existing airframes thru the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification and installation process. The result is a refreshed turboprop airplane with like-new levels of performance, safety and capability, all for a fraction of the cost of a new one — a strong message in today’s turboprop marketplace.
Blackhawk’s Senior VP and Sales and Marketing, Bob Kromer, said,
“It’s true that airframes seldom wear out. They’re built to last a long time, far longer than the original engines and avionics that came with them. Incorporating our new PT6A engine upgrades along with advanced avionics installations (such as Garmin G1000), new paint and interior results in a refurbished airplane that very closely resembles a new one, inside and out. Looks the same, feels the same, performs the same.
The big difference is cost – that refurbished airplane is considerably less expensive. For those who can’t afford the cost barrier of new airplanes, refurbished ones can save significant amounts of upfront acquisition capital while gaining improved safety, comfort, and performance.”
“Refurbishing King Air 90 and 200 models seems to be the strongest at the moment. Those airframes are sturdy, durable and timeless. For King Air customers who install our new, more powerful PT6A-135A, -52 or -61 engines along with state-of-the-art avionics, paint and interior, the result is an airplane ready for years of dependable service, with significantly increased resale value. It makes a winning combination.”
Blackhawk President and CEO, Jim Allmon, said,
“There is nothing like a power boost to complete an aircraft upgrade. Power equals performance equals safety. Blackhawk’s new engine upgrade customers enjoy much stronger climb performance and cruise speed increases of 20 KTAS or more once there. And in case of an engine malfunction in a twin turboprop, having more available power greatly enhances safety margins. We see nothing but continued growth in the turboprop upgrade market because is just makes good sense.”
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About Blackhawk Modifications, Inc.
Blackhawk Modifications recently completed its 500th aircraft new engine upgrade in 2014. Based in Waco, Texas, the company provides new engine installations and STC paperwork for all models of King Air 90 and 200, Cessna Conquest, Piper Cheyenne I, II, IIXL, and Cessna Caravan models 208 and 208B. Blackhawk’s contributions to the upgrade industry continue to be new PT6A engines, components, associated hardware and STC paperwork.