1. Engines & Components

    Blackhawk Launches STC Program for Hartzell 5-Blade Composite Propeller And XP67A Engine+ Upgrade

    April 1, 2025
    Operators can expect shorter takeoff distances, faster climb rates and cruise speeds, smoother operation, reduced cabin noise and lower maintenance demands.
    Blackhawk Aerospace
    67ebefb0f241d6403663a3ba Blackhawksxp67apoweredkingair350testbed

    Blackhawk is launching a new supplemental type certificate (STC) program that pairs Hartzell Propeller’s advanced 5-blade composite propeller with Blackhawk’s high-performance XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on the King Air 350.

    Hartzell’s 5-blade composite propeller features carbon fiber construction, lighter weight, increased durability and enhanced performance compared to the standard 4-blade aluminum propeller. By adding an additional blade, operators will save approximately 10 pounds per side, or about 20 pounds in total weight savings.  

    The 5-blade also offers a reduced diameter, which lowers the noise characteristics of the propellers. Operators can expect shorter takeoff distances, faster climb rates and cruise speeds, smoother operation, reduced cabin noise and lower maintenance demands. 

    Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ Upgrade replaces factory-installed Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-60A engines with more-powerful PT6A-67A powerplants. The engines offer a 24% increase in available horsepower, allowing for maximum cruise speeds over 332 KTAS and climbing to FL350 in under 17 minutes. 

    “This new STC program highlights our passion to pursue next-level performance solutions,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk, “By integrating Hartzell’s cutting-edge propeller with our proven XP67A engine upgrade, we’re providing King Air 350 operators with additional propeller options resulting in a personalized path to smarter, faster, more efficient flying—with significant operational savings.”  

    Certification of the Hartzell 5-blade/XP67A King Air 350 pairing is slated to be announced at EAA AirVenture 2025.