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Amy Wilder

The Blackhawk Group and Seair Seaplanes are nearing completion of the latter’s first Cessna Caravan upgraded with the Blackhawk XP140 Engine+ and a Yukon four-blade propeller, a combination intended to deliver the fastest harbor-to-harbor service in the region.&nbsp;The upgraded Caravan is scheduled to enter service on Seair’s newly expanded Victoria-to-Vancouver Harbour route, with the companies citing gains in speed, climb performance, and overall capability for coastal operations.&nbsp;
According to Blackhawk, the XP140 engine delivers 28% more shaft horsepower, a 35% improvement in climb rate, and a 13% increase in cruise speed, equating to about 21 knots. Combined with the Yukon propeller, the upgrade reduces takeoff distances and improves performance over water and short-runway environments, cutting harbor-to-harbor travel time by about five minutes to 25 minutes.
The aircraft is the first of at least three Seair Caravans planned for upgrade as part of a broader fleet modernization program, the companies said.&nbsp;Seair, founded in 1982, operates seven Caravan floatplanes and describes itself as the world’s largest operator of the type, serving destinations including Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver Airport’s South Terminal, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Seair Upgrades Cessna Caravan with Blackhawk XP140 Engine

Yukon propeller boosts performance as well

Seair Seaplanes will launch a faster Victoria-to-Vancouver Harbour service using a Blackhawk XP140-upgraded Cessna Caravan.

Blackhawk Upgrade Targets Faster Seaplane Operations

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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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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