Blackhawk Aerospace has begun FAA certification flight testing for its Pilatus PC-12 XP67P Engine+ Upgrade program. Blackhawk said the upgrade replaces the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B engine with a new 1,200-shp PT6A-67P engine that provides more power and greater efficiency.
Improved metallurgy provides a higher internal turbine temperature (ITT) limitation of 850 degrees Celsius. As well, the maximum continuous ITT for climb and cruise is 760 degrees C for the -67B and 820 degrees C for the XP67P. The XP67P also produces 142 more thermodynamic shaft horsepower than the PC-12’s stock powerplant.
“Blackhawk is excited to kick off certification testing for the XP67P program and bring the conversion one step closer to reality for PC-12 operators,” said Blackhawk president and CEO Jim Allmon. “This is a new market for us that fits naturally into our existing roster of aircraft, and we look forward to delivering this upgrade to Pilatus operators soon.”
Blackhawk estimates more than 600 PC-12s are eligible for the upgrade, many of which are at or close to overhaul. STC approval of the XP67P is expected early next year, with EASA approval to follow shortly thereafter.