Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

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Mark Huber

Blackhawk Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for&nbsp;its XR Upgrade Kit for the King Air 350-series twin turboprop. The XR package increases cruise speed by 30 to 40 knots and maximum takeoff weight&nbsp;to 16,500 pounds, as well as cutting&nbsp;climb time to FL350 by 60 percent to 18 minutes. The modification reduces basic aircraft empty weight by 220 pounds and provides 25 percent more endurance and 24 percent more horsepower at typical loiter altitudes for the multi-role aircraft.&nbsp;

 


The XR kit replaces the original Pratt &amp; Whitney PT6A-60A engines and four-bladed aluminum propellers with new 1,200-shp&nbsp;PT6A-67A engines and MT five-bladed composite propellers. It also includes new heavyweight landing gear, high floatation tires, Raisbeck fully enclosed high floatation gear doors, the True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion battery, and conformal auxiliary CenTex Saddle tanks that are 172 pounds lighter than the OEM’s extra range fuel tanks.

 


The quieter propellers have higher ground clearance. The&nbsp;new lithium-ion battery yields a weight savings of 30 pounds and doubles cranking amps.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Blackhawk's King Air 350 XR Upgrade Kit Gets FAA Nod

Blackhawk Aerospace has received FAA STC approval for its XR Upgrade Kit for the King Air 350-series twin turboprop. 

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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