Story ID: 325
Blackhawk Launching TBM Engine Upgrade Program
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Blackhawk Aerospace will offer the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine for installation in the TBM 700 series aircraft.
Word Count: 199
Blackhawk Aerospace has purchased a TBM 700 testbed aircraft in preparation for flight testing of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine for a future upgrade program. On Monday at EAA AirVenture, Blackhawk CEO Jim Allmon told AIN that the company hopes to have the modified aircraft on display next year at AirVenture. He said the engine upgrade being revealed this week at the show should boost a modified TBM 700’s cruising speed up to around 295 knots—nearly a 10-knot improvement.
Details regarding plans for the upgrade are still being formulated, but it is likely that the modifications specialist will be working with American Aviation on a revised engine inlet and with Blackhawk sister company Avex, a long-time TBM dealer and service center. Allmon estimated the market for a potential TBM 700 upgrade at approximately 380 aircraft. 
Within the past two years, private equity firm New State Aviation Holdings acquired majority stakes in both Blackhawk and Avex. Blackhawk has developed engine upgrade programs for several turboprops, including Beechcraft King Airs, Cessna Caravans, and Pilatus PC-12s. Avex installs retrofit upgrades in TBMs, including Garmin glass cockpits and custom interiors.