Blackhawk Poised To Offer Caravan 208A Engine Upgrade

Flight-testing is complete on Blackhawk Modifications’ Cessna 208A Caravan XP42A upgrade and FAA STC approval is imminent, according to the company. The upgrade provides the same operational advantages as the 208B Grand Caravan. The XP42A upgrade includes a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A rated at 850 shp; a new, wide-chord, 100-inch diameter Hartzell four-blade propeller; new composite cowling and high-efficiency inlet duct; new 40-percent-larger oil cooler; new Blackhawk Hawkeye DigiLog engine gauges; and new exhaust stacks. The upgrade significantly expands Caravan performance margins, effectively doubling the aircraft’s rate of climb, while using less fuel.