With A Number Of Projects In The Works Senior VP Bob Kromer Details What A Busy And Exciting Time It Is For Team Blackhawk

By: Anthony J. Liberatore

Bob Kromer, Senior VP of Engineering at Blackhawk Modifications, declined the dais at EAA press headquarters during AirVenture and took to the floor without a microphone. In his booming voice, he said "our comeback is real and we are here to stay."

Kromer also noted "you have to innovate to survive." To illustrate, he reviewed Blackhawk's portfolio of STC'd PT-6 upgrades to the later higher hp version the venerable PT-6 engine available for a host of Cessna, Piper, and Beech aircraft.

Blackhawk currently offers STC's for the Caravan 208 & 208B's, certain Piper Cheyenne models, the Cessna Conquest, and all models of the King Air. This gives the owner the ability to redefine their aircraft and upgrade its value and performance. Kromer also discussed the extreme flight testing Blackhawk performs to make sure the engine upgrades meet all the applicable FAA regulations. The STC process is as rigorous as the original type certificate process, and for Blackhawk that translates too 250 hours of flight testing and 25,000 man hours of engineering at a cost of $1.5 million. Blackhawk's cycle time to complete the STC process is now 12 to 15 months, and Kromer is extremely proud of that.

Kromer said that the additional power available via the Blackhawk conversions, (which can be up to 150 hp per side in their twin engine conversion) translates into improved performance in takeoff, climb, and cruise. Flight test numbers show an anticipated 30 to 40 percent increase in the rate of climb, and a 20 to 40 knot increase in cruising airspeed. “We take good airplanes and make them great airplanes, with engines and new propellers,” Kromer said. In the last 20 years Blackhawk has installed 1,462 engines, and competed 776 full conversions.

Kromer said Blackhawk has also penetrated the Special Missions Applications market with a conversion kit for the Beech KingAir B300, 350, and 350ER. Kromer said in this market it is a different set of standards and rules and in this world, performance is life. Kromer noted a flight crew in this arena said to him at Oshkosh, “Thank you for what you do, this is a game changer for our team.”

In the "what is next" category ... Kromer said that they are building a "racehorse" by taking the smallest of the 300 series, the King Air 200 and putting the PT6A-67A package on the airframe for a lightweight, pure performance machine. With a ton of power and thrust, it is expected to be the world's fastest King-Air. The preliminary numbers are a cruising speed of 345 knots, with a 3,500 fpm rate of climb. “This is a jet with props,” Kromer said.  Three have been built so far, and they expect to have the STC completed in the first quarter of 2019. Blackhawk anticipates having this STC'd aircraft at Oshkosh in 2019.

Transitioning back to what Blackhawk currently offers, Kromer said they are an exclusive supplier of MT propellers' 5 blade model, and that Blackhawk now has an STC for a Lithium Ion battery installation that is 15 pounds lighter than the stock King Air battery. He said the weight savings is appreciated on the civilian side, but even more in the Special Missions arena. Kromer also discussed the Blackhawk Phoenix, a totally refurbished line of aircraft which is not only incorporate Blackhawk modifications but also custom paint, interior, and cockpit upgrades. Kromer said that if he bought an airplane it would be a Phoenix. "Good grief those airplanes are marvelous," he said.

(Image provided by the author)

FMI: www.blackhawk.aero