Blackhawk poised to increase TBM 700 horsepower
King Air STC approval 'imminent'
Blackhawk Aerospace announced that it successfully completed baseline flight testing for its Daher TBM 700 Series supplemental type certificate program on September 20, “marking a major milestone with the first flight of a TBM 700 equipped with the higher-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine.”
The testbed aircraft’s newly installed, higher-horsepower engine has 1,825 equivalent shaft horsepower, an increase from 1,583 ESHP on the stock engine. Operators can anticipate faster climb and cruise speeds as a result.
Blackhawk anticipates receiving FAA approval in the first half of 2025, “has received multiple deposits securing delivery positions,” and is currently accepting deposits for 2025 and 2026 deliveries.
In addition, Blackhawk announced at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition that the firm expects “imminent” FAA approval of a King Air 360 retrofit package including Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ Upgrade with Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics.
“This certification brings significant value to King Air 360 owners and operators, offering a powerful and efficient engine upgrade option,” Black said. The benefits can show as cost savings, faster travel (up to 10 minutes faster climb, 10 minutes reduced per hour based on faster climb, and higher true airspeed), and market value.
The PT6A-67A engine “delivers 1,050 SHP to altitude,” and improves the King Air 360’s performance when installed with a five-blade composite propeller from MT Propeller, which also reduces noise.
The Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics system includes touch-screen displays, synthetic vision, and various flight management tools.
