Blackhawk adds European distributor

Air Alliance, a Cessna service center based in Germany, has been designated an authorized Blackhawk distributor and installation center. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackhawk will purchase three new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A engines for the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan series.

Jim Allmon, president and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications, said the 850 shp (max continuous) XP42A engine option offers better takeoff, climb and cruise performance than the current 675-shp PT6A-114A that powers the Grand Caravan. Certification of the PT6A-42A is expected in the fourth quarter of this year, with deliveries beginning shortly after. According to Allmon, the upgrade yields a 4-percent increase in max takeoff weight, a 15-percent increase in cruise speed and a cut in time-to-climb and fuel burn from sea level to 12,000 feet of as much as six minutes and three gallons, respectively.