Blackhawk Aerospace Launches Engine Upgrade Program for the Pilatus PC-12

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – October 11, 2021 – Blackhawk Aerospace proudly announced today that the Company is adding the Pilatus PC-12 to their roster of aircraft for aftermarket engine upgrade Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). Blackhawk will replace the stock Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67B engines with the higher thermally rated PT6A-67P model in a program they’re calling the XP67P Engine+ Upgrade. Flight testing for this engine upgrade is projected to start in late Q1 of 2022. 

The XP67P engine technology utilizes improved metallurgy which allows a higher Internal Turbine Temperature (ITT) limitation of 850°C compared to the stock -67B’s 800°C limitation for takeoff. More impressively, maximum continuous ITT for climb and cruise is 760°C for the -67B and 820°C for the XP67P. Further, the PT6A-67P is a 1200 shaft horsepower (SHP) engine that produces 142 more thermodynamic horsepower than the stock PT6A-67B. The combination of the higher ITT and thermo produced by the -67P engine enables operators to utilize full torque to more efficient cruising altitudes. Where the stock -67B starts losing power at 13,000 feet, the XP67P can maintain full power to 23,000 feet. 

“Building upon the success of our existing Caravan engine upgrades, adding the Pilatus PC-12 platform to our growing list of STCs was a natural evolution for the aftermarket engine upgrade business that Blackhawk was built on,” said Jim Allmon, Blackhawk’s President and CEO. “Our foundation of innovation continues to carry us to new and exciting heights, and we look forward to welcoming PC-12 owners and operators into the Blackhawk family.” 

Blackhawk’s market research shows that there are 1,700 total PC-12 models in operation, making it the second largest single-engine turboprop market behind the Cessna Caravan. With more than 600 of the PC-12s eligible for the XP67P upgrade, many of the aircraft in the addressable market are at, or close to, an overhaul event, which is the optimum opportunity to upgrade to new engines, bringing these aircraft up to factory standards. Further, operators will receive favorable core engine credit of $95 per hour for time remaining to the factory TBO if upgrading before overhaul. 

The XP67P Engine+ Upgrade includes one factory-new P&WC PT6A-67P engine and maintains the existing Hartzell four-blade aluminum propeller. Blackhawk plans to certify additional propeller options in the future to provide operators modularity in the upgrade package. 

For more information about the XP67P Engine+ Upgrade for the Pilatus PC-12, visit Blackhawk this week during NBAA in Las Vegas at booth #2445. Blackhawk will also host a press conference on Monday, October 11th at 11:00 AM PDT, in which SVP of Business Development, Bob Kromer, will present more details on the new program. 

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