Blackhawk.qxp_TURBINE NEWS AUG 16 01/03/2019 16:36 Page 1
Where Are They Now:
First Cessna Caravan 208B Blackhawk XP140 Conversion Update Last year, Air Alliance delivered the Cessna Caravan 208B to the owner after a successful installation of the first Blackhawk XP140 Engine+ Upgrade. Now, after over 400 hours of flight, the owner says they are enjoying quicker lifts and greater payloads. Angela Hickling, the owner of “British Parachute School/Skydive Langar” in Langar / UK, cites two main reasons for choosing the XP140 upgrade: the powe r and the engine fitting. “The 867 SHP is so powerful, the aircraft climbs so much faster than with the standard [PT6A-114A] engine,” said Hickling. “We can now fly 4 lifts with 15 Skydivers on each lift up to 15,000 ft in the same time as we used to fly 3 lifts with 14 Skydivers.” The Blackhawk XP140 Engine+ Upgrade is EASA-certified (EASA STC10057646) for the Cessna Caravan 208 and 208B. The upgrade replaces the existing Pratt & Whitney PT6A114/114A (600/675 SHP) engine with a PT6A-140 (867 SHP) engine, resulting in a 28% increase in available horsepower. This additional power translates into a 21% decrease in takeoff distance, a 37% increase in climb rate, and 195 KTAS maximum cruise speed while still in compliance with the stringent European Noise Regulations. Furthermore, Skydive Langar’s XP140 installation was made simpler compared to competitors because the existing cowling, engine mount, and exhaust system was retained. “When the engine was fitted, it took under 2 weeks,” said Hickling. “There was no need to alter the cowling or the exhaust, so the engine just slotted into place.” The XP140
upgrade is only 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) longer than the original PT6A-114A engine. The extra lengt h is aft of the engine mounts, allowing the truss to be retained with no changes. Additionally, the XP140 has a single exhaust port and connects to the existing exhaust system. The “plug and play” configuration of the XP140 allows for reduced downtime, saving Skydive Langar both time and money. Further XP140 cost savings come in the form of operating costs. Based on an average of 60,000 NM flown per yea r, owners and operators can expect to save 45 cents USD per nautical mile flown. This equates to an annual savings of $36,000 USD, or $360,000 USD saved before overhaul based on the XP140’s 4,000-hour TBO. The base TBO extension from 3,600 hours to 4,000 hours further reduces Skydive Langar’s hot section inspection and overhaul budget. The 400-hour increase reduces engine operating costs and delays the expense of overhaul by about a year. Skydive Langar also enjoys lower maintenance costs and increased reliability from Pratt & Whitney Canada’s New Engine Enhanced Warranty of 1,000 hours, no calendar limit, with limited coverage on primary parts through the 4,000-hour TBO. “The aircraft has now flown over 400 hours and has just returned from a 200-hour service with no problems,” said Hickling. “We look forward to another great year with this aircraft – with a great engine!”
For more information, please contact Blackhawk at +1 (254) 230-1627 or visit www.blackhawk.aero/xp140 14 TURBINE BUYER EUROPE APRIL 2019
GA BUYER ONLINE - AvBUYER.COM