A comprehensive deal was signed here at NBAA for the first Blackhawk XP52 replacement engine modification of a Hawker Beechcraft King Air B200 equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The 3,500-hour aircraft is owned by LJ Aviation of Latrobe, Penn., which purchased it new in 2006.

The twin turboprop will also receive Raisbeck Engineering’s (Booth No. 2266) Epic Gold performance package, BLR winglets and LED lighting. The modifications will be performed by Hawker Beechcraft Services (Booth No. 2598) in Wichita.

“This makes a tremendous airplane that much better,” said aircraft owner Ed Kilkeary, president of LJ Aviation.

“Hawker Beechcraft negotiated with Collins to let us go into their box, update their box and change the range marking of the engine gages. That’s what was required for us to add this to our existing STC,” said Blackhawk Modifications (Booth No. 4112) president Jim Allmon.

The Raisbeck package includes the ram-air recovery system, enhanced-performance wing leading edges, dual aft body strakes and enclosed high float gear doors. Kilkeary estimates he will see improved safety margins and a 30- to 35-knot increase in max speed with the modifications installed.

Kilkeary estimates the total cost of the modifications at $1.3 million. “It’s important for us to have the best,” he said. – M.H.