FAA certification for Blackhawk Modifications’ XP140 upgrade for the Cessna Caravan is imminent, and will be available to U.S. customers next month. EASA approval is scheduled to follow to answer demands from Cessna 208 Caravan and 208B Grand Caravan operators in Europe for more power.

At the heart of the XP140 upgrade is the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, which offers 867 hp compared to the 600 hp or 675 hp offered by the PT6A-114/114A engines that the aircraft were initially fitted with. The new engine uses existing mounts, cowls and exhausts, facilitating installation. Alongside the new engine the package includes a new 325-Amp starter/generator, higher capacity oil cooler, and a 106-inch three-bladed Hartzell propeller. The engine and propeller are the same as used in the Caravan EX.

“With the additional horsepower of our upgrade, operators get a whole new operating experience from their Caravan,” said Jim Allmon, president and CEO of Blackhawk (Booth D023). “Many commercial operators utilize short runways, carrying heavy loads in hot-and-high conditions. Additionally, those Caravan owners who operate off water will enjoy the capability to get up on step faster, reducing stress on the airframe and allowing operations from smaller bodies of water.”