Professional Pilot, March 2016

Blackhawk Aerospace offers high performance engine mods for most PT6 powered aircraft Mods include the XP140 for Cessna Caravans L which boosts power from the stock 675 shp to 867 shp and the XP52 and XP61 for King Airs R which boost cruise speed to exceed 300 ktas market in exchange for newer more powerful and efficient engines Without this CEP agreement in place we would not have the buying power to offer our STCs and new engines at a compelling price point A relationship with Pratt is as essential as having the actual STC that enables our customers to fly with the latest and greatest technology now available BLR Aerospace BLR Aerospace holds the distinction of being a NASA technology transfer licensee that specializes in aftermarket modifications such as winglet systems vortex generators and other aerodynamic enhancements engineered to improve aircraft performance and maximize return on an operators investment For the fixed wing business aviation market BLR focuses primarily on the King Air line Current offerings include winglets and propeller systems BLRs winglet system is an aluminum wingtip extension and carbon fiber winglet that increases the total wingspan by 3 ft 5 in This winglet 78 PROFESSIONAL PILOT March 2016 system increases the wingspan and wing aspect ratio to improve both cruise speed and range by to reducing induced drag By increasing the efficiency of the wing the BLR winglet system provides better runway performance BLR claims 33 improvement handling 1 engine inoperative climb performance and allows flight at higher altitudes Operators realize fuel savings in the neighborhood of 5 The BLR winglet system is available for King Air 90 200 and 300s Textron Aviation now incorporates the BLR winglet system on all new King Air 250 and C90GTx aircraft In May 2015 BLR introduced the Whisper Prop a certified 5 blade carbon fiber propeller manufactured by MT Propeller of Germany As of late July 2015 7 propeller systems had been sold the first one was installed on a King Air 90GTi All 7 operators signing up for the Whisper Prop are already flying aircraft equipped with BLR winglet systems According to BLR Aerospace VP of Sales and Marketing Dave Marone The reductions in noise and vibration are so significant that operators are taking notice One customer said that with the Whisper Prop installed on his King Air 90GTi the aircraft flies more like a turbojet than a turboprop BLR test data suggests a 30 to 50 reduction in noise Unlike conventional propellers this propeller system features a carbon fiber blade with a composite core that significantly dampens vibration Combined with the winglet system operators can enjoy the short field performance and interior space of a King Air with comfort surpassing the comparatively space limited entry level business jet all while flying an aircraft that they already own Marone says Aviation Partners Aviation Partners Inc API estimates that its Blended Winglet technology has saved business and commercial jet operators over 55 billion gallons of fuel since its first implementation in 1993 Based in Seattle WA API is the world leader in advanced winglet technology To date APIs Blended Winglets are installed on over 6300 in service aircraft including various Textron Aviation includes BLRs Fastfin and strakes kits on all new Bell 412EPi helicopters These mods make the aircraft safer and more efficient and productive BLR Aerospaces latest product is the 5 bladed Whisper Prop system This certified prop features a carbon fiber blade with a composite core and is manufactured in Germany by MT Propeller BLR Aerospace winglets are certified on King Air 90 200 and 300s Textron Aviation includes them as standard equipment on new King Air C90GTx and 250 aircraft