New 325 Amp Starter Generator Cooler Start Temperatures, More Generator Power, Longer TBO

A new 325 Amp Starter Generator for the Blackhawk XP42A engine upgrade has been approved by the FAA for use on Cessna Caravan (short and grand) aircraft with the XP42A engine upgrade installed.

The new generator, which replaces the stock 200 amp starter generator for the XP42A engine upgrade, is the same starter generator that Blackhawk has designated as standard equipment for the PT6A-140 engine for Cessna 208 and 208B Caravans.

Key benefits of the new generator include:

• 50 percent reduction in start time
• 1000 C reduction in start temperatures – an improvement that will help reduce hot section and overhaul expenses
• 325 amps of continuous power for aircraft on a wider range of ground and flight equipment and operations
• Extended starter overhaul intervals (from 400 actual to 1,500 hours “no touch”)

Blackhawk is offering the upgraded starter generator and installation kit for an introductory price of $28,000 with exchange. Engine upgrade experts will be available to answer questions and take orders at the Blackhawk exhibit (No. 307) during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 20-26. An upgraded Cessna Caravan and a King Air C90 will be on display in the Blackhawk exhibit throughout the event.

Installation of the improved starter requires less than 2 days of down time, according to Jim Allmon, Blackhawk Modifications President and CEO. “Not only will this upgrade help save customers money by getting started faster and with less stress on engines, it will give operators more flexibility by enabling them to power more ground and flight equipment than ever before,” Allmon said. “It may seem like a small upgrade, but profitability can be a challenge – and we’re helping customers every way we can.”

The air-cooled Blackhawk 325 Amp Starter Generator system delivers more available power for all operating environments, including ground and air. The system operates exactly as the stock 200 amp system and the factory-optional 300 amp system. The 325 Amp Starter Generator produces faster spin-up of the gas generator due to its increased current, resulting in lower starting ITTs. 

FMI: www.blackhawk.aero