PRESS RELEASE | Blackhawk and SNC Acquire XP67A King Air 350ER STC

WACO, Texas (June 12, 2018) – Blackhawk Modifications’ subsidiary for government and military sales division, Vector-Hawk Aerospace (VHA), has teamed with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to offer the Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Kit for the Beechcraft King Air 350ER. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved Blackhawk Modifications’ XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for the aircraft at takeoff weights up to 17,500 pounds maximum allowable takeoff weight (MTOW), significantly increasing the weight capability and horsepower output for special mission applications.

“This after-market, system-of-systems approach, has been developed specifically for special mission applications,” said Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC’s Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) business area. “The Mission Enhancement Kit provides users with the most capable aircraft available, providing greater usable power, allowing for increased mission payloads and significantly longer loiter times, while providing increased safety and reduced risk throughout the range of operations and mission locations. It is mission endurance, safety and options combined into one solution.”

The XP67A will provide a 25-30 percent increase in power, which translates into improved climb and cruise performance for King Air 350ER aircraft, especially on hot days at high-altitudes. Although the PT6A-67A will produce a 400 thermodynamic SHP increase over the stock PT6A-60A, the Blackhawk engine will actually reduce the overall weight of the aircraft by about 18 pounds.

“We are very excited about the XP67A upgrade for the King Air 350ER,” said Jim Allmon, president and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications. “The new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A upgrade gives the aircraft an amazing increase in performance, especially for aircraft operated in Special Missions roles at 17,500 lbs. gross weight. These aircraft are often outfitted with ISR pods, antennas and camera balls in a high temperature region of the world, possibly in a hostile environment. The mission is often limited by the lack of second segment climb performance produced by the stock PT6A-60A engines, which inhibits the amount of fuel the aircraft can carry. With our new XP67A upgrade, we meet that mission requirement at the max gross weight enabling Special Missions operators to use the 350ER to its full mission potential. It’s a true game changer!”

The new offering will include two factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67A engines, new MT five-blade composite propeller assemblies and spinners, and a True Blue Power lithium-ion battery. Training, support, and a five-year/2,500 hour enhanced new-engine warranty are also included.

The XP67A engine upgrade, is a key element of SNC’s Mission Enhancement Kit, combined with the True Blue battery and Advent eABS anti-skid braking system.

SNC is the exclusive provider of the XP67A and Mission Enhancement Kit for the King Air 350ER, and will complete the installations at their network of authorized install facilities, field installations are also available.

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About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, National Security and Defense. With applications including navigation and guidance, communication and surveillance systems, electronic warfare, aircraft systems and telemedicine, SNC provides state-of-the art solutions to military and commercial customers around the world. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest growing companies. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com.

About Blackhawk Modifications
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, is a recognized aviation leader in providing engine performance solutions to the turboprop fleet. The company has the largest installed fleet of STC twin and single-engine turboprop upgrades, making Blackhawk the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines in the world. A worldwide network of approved dealers and service support centers complements Blackhawk’s U.S. facilities. For more information, visit www.blackhawk.aero.

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About Vector-Hawk Aerospace
Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, near the heart of U.S. Army Aviation, Vector-Hawk Aerospace brings together a powerful mix of capabilities and experience to serve as a single-source provider of comprehensive PT6 engine performance solutions. For more information, visit www.vector-hawk.aero.

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