How Fast Can You Really Go?
I had to know if the speed claims were true, so I hopped aboard a King Air 350 equipped with Blackhawk's Pratt & Whitney -67A engines on a scorching day in Florida. We cranked up the power and aimed for the skies. In just 12 minutes, we reached FL280, a full 30 minutes faster than stock engines! Here’s my firsthand account.
Testing the Speed Claims
In my previous article, I shared the technical specs from Blackhawk’s website about the King Air 350 engine upgrade with Pratt’s -67A engines and MT 5-bladed propellers. The highlights include:
- 60% increase in climb rate
- 40 KTAS faster, reaching over 330 KTAS max cruise speed
- New Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A flat-rated 1050 SHP engines with a 3600-hour warranty
- New 5-blade quiet composite propellers
- 16% lower annual operating costs, saving both time and money
These are impressive stats, but I needed to experience the upgrade myself. So, I joined a flight to see if the King Air 350 with Blackhawk’s XP67A modification lived up to the hype.
If you didn’t catch the full article last time, you can read it here: http://stevensaerospace-23271417.hs-sites.com/fuel-your-need-for-speed-with-blackhawks-xp67a-upgrade
The Flight Details
- Date: June 12, 2024
- Route: Panama City (KECP) to Midland TX (KMAF)
- Climb: 60ft MSL to FL280, no leveling, no stepping
- Temperatures: ISA +18 on the ground, ISA +14 at FL280
- Time to Altitude: 12 minutes
- Vertical Speed: 2000 to 3000 fpm until nearing FL280 with ITT’s around 820
- Cruise Speed: 330-340 KT TAS at FL280
My Experience
The most thrilling part was capturing the climb on video. Starting from a sea-level runway on a hot Florida day and full of fuel, we shot up to FL280 in just 12 minutes, then hit 331 KTAS cruise speed—30 to 40 KTAS faster than stock. We reached cruise altitude without stepping, 25 to 30 minutes faster than usual. It was an incredible experience! You can watch the short version of the video here: http://stevensaerospace-23271417.hs-sites.com/fuel-your-need-for-speed-with-blackhawks-xp67a-upgrade-0
Testimonials from Fellow Flyers
Here’s what others have to say about the Blackhawk XP67A upgrade:
Stephen E. Barker, Triton Airways:
“We needed to offer our clients jet-like altitude and speed with the utility of a King Air. The Blackhawk 67A engines made this possible. Quick to altitude and jet speeds at cruise, all with the payload and cabin of the 350. It’s a perfect fit for our fleet.”
Chip McClure, Jet Acquisitions:
“Nothing puts a smile on my clients' faces like a King Air going 330+ kts. The airplane climbs straight to altitude and accelerates to speeds you never thought you’d see in a King Air.”
Paul Armstrong, Air King Aviation:
“Putting these engines on the 350 is a game changer. Straight to the low 30’s in about 17 minutes with usable power all day. It’s a much better weather plane now, and I can land it almost anywhere in 3000 feet. Bottom line, with this mod I have more options with climb, cruise, and more options dealing with weather than I ever did with a stock 350.”
Interested in an Upgrade?
Blackhawk also offers engine upgrades for the King Air 90, 200, and 300 airframes. If you're intrigued and want to discuss your next move, contact Stevens Aerospace. Stevens is a leading authority in King Air maintenance and modifications, with a legacy dating back to the first King Air flight in the mid-60s. We’ve been an integral part of the Blackhawk team, consistently maintaining our status as one of their premier installation and service centers.
Whether you’re considering an engine upgrade or a comprehensive overhaul including avionics, paint, and interior refurbishments, Stevens Aerospace has you covered. Our commitment is to deliver results On Time, On Budget, and On Target.
For further details, contact [email protected] or visit Stevens Aerospace.