What Blackhawk Aerospace does

Blackhawk Aerospace (legal entity Blackhawk Modifications, LLC) is a privately held US aerospace company founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, specializing in turboprop aircraft performance improvements. Its core offering is the XP Engine+ Upgrade program, in which factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-series engines (PT6A-67A, -61, -52, -42, -135A, -140, -42A) are paired with proprietary Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) to replace stock engines on King Air, Caravan, Cheyenne, Conquest, TBM, and Pilatus PC-12 airframes. The company has developed 30+ engine-centric STCs, holds FAA, EASA, DGAC (Brazil), and UK CAA Part 145 authorizations, and is the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines globally.

Blackhawk operates a hybrid distribution model combining six company-owned Performance Centers in the United States (Waco, Broomfield, Glendale, Columbia, Wasilla) and the United Kingdom (Bournemouth) with a network of 80+ approved installation facilities across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time engine upgrade transactions, FAA Part 145 MRO services (including management of the U.S. Army C-12 transport fleet through L3 Vertex and SNC's EMARSS program), aftermarket avionics and PMA parts sales, Garmin and Collins Aerospace avionics installations, and aircraft brokerage via the Wetzel Aviation partnership. The company is a subsidiary of The Blackhawk Group (formerly New State Aviation Holdings), which has expanded through the acquisitions of Finnoff Aviation Products (PC-12) and AVEX Aviation (TBM), plus the integration of MCA Aviation in Europe.

Customers span commercial charter operators, skydiving operators, corporate flight departments, and government/defense agencies. Approximately 1,500 XP Engine+ Upgrades have been delivered to date, supporting what the company describes as the largest installed fleet of upgraded corporate-size turboprop aircraft worldwide.

Name

Blackhawk Aerospace

Legal name

Blackhawk Modifications, LLC

Website

https://blackhawk.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Blackhawk Aerospace is a privately held Waco, Texas-based turboprop performance upgrade company that develops proprietary STC-certified PT6 engine replacements and avionics for King Air, Caravan, Cheyenne, Conquest, TBM, and PC-12 aircraft, serving commercial operators and government/defense fleets globally through six Performance Centers and 80+ installation partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Engine Upgrades & Modifications

NAICS

Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (336412), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Modifications, STC & Retrofit Integration (IMABALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Turboprop Engines (IMABADAB), Modification, Retrofit & Engineering (STC, Avionics Upgrades, Conversions) (TLAKAJAI), Fixed-Wing Aircraft Conversion & Modification (STC/Completions) (IMABAAAI)

Keywords

• Turboprop engine upgrades
• Aircraft performance modifications
• Supplemental type certificates
• Aviation MRO services
• PT6 engine upgrades

Headquarters

HQ city

Waco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Engine Upgrades: One-time exchange of old engines for factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engines with proprietary Blackhawk modifications. Customers receive new engines, STC paperwork, warranties, and installation support. Core engine credits available for time remaining on old engines.
2. MRO & Maintenance Services: Comprehensive aircraft maintenance services including engine management, inspections, repairs, and overhauls. Operates FAA Part 145 certified repair stations at multiple Performance Centers.
3. Aftermarket Avionics Parts: Sales of aftermarket avionics parts including Garmin, Collins Aerospace, Universal Avionics, Honeywell, and Bendix/King components. Parts sold with full traceability and FAA/EASA approvals.
4. Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: Partnership with Wetzel Aviation for aircraft acquisition, sales, and brokerage services. Blackhawk performs comprehensive modernization upgrades on acquired aircraft.
5. PMA Parts: Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) products including wire harnesses, instrument panels, and sheet metal components. Pre-manufactured and rigorously tested for seamless installation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Blackhawk Aerospace designs, certifies, and installs proprietary engine upgrades (XP Engine+ line) that replace stock turboprop engines on King Air, Caravan, Cheyenne, Conquest, TBM, and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines via FAA/EASA-approved Supplemental Type Certificates. The company also sells complementary avionics upgrades (Garmin, Collins Aerospace), composite propellers, aerodynamic and electrical modifications, and provides MRO and aircraft sales/brokerage services through Performance Centers and an 80+ installer network.

Product overview

Blackhawk Aerospace is a turboprop aircraft performance improvement company offering a comprehensive portfolio of engine upgrades, avionics systems, and maintenance services. The core offering consists of XP Engine+ Upgrades across multiple platforms (King Air 90/200/300/350, Caravan, Cheyenne, Conquest, TBM, PC-12) featuring factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines with extended TBOs. These are complemented by additional performance products including MT Propellers, Hartzell Propellers, Raisbeck aerodynamic modifications, True Blue lithium-ion batteries, and Hawkeye Smart Gauges. The company operates a network of Performance Centers providing maintenance, avionics installations (Garmin and Collins Aerospace), and STC development. Government solutions include specialized MRO management, the XR Endurance Kit, C-12 Life Cycle Extension Program, and 200M Special Missions upgrades. The product portfolio is supported by PMA parts manufacturing, aftermarket avionics sales, and aircraft sales/brokerage through Wetzel Aviation partnership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• XP Engine+ Upgrades: Proprietary engine upgrade packages delivering enhanced performance, increased safety margins, and strongest resale value for turboprop aircraft including King Air, Caravan, Cheyenne, Conquest, TBM, and PC-12 models.

Products and services

• XP67A Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 350/350ER) Core engine upgrade product for King Air 350/350ER aircraft pairing Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines producing 1,050 SHP with proprietary STC modifications, delivering 60% increased climb rate, 332+ ktas cruise speed, and a 3,600-hour TBO with enhanced engine warranty.
• XP67A Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 300) Engine upgrade product for the King Air 300 platform using PT6A-67A engines, providing 55% reduction in time to climb, 343+ ktas cruise speed, and a 3,600-hour TBO with enhanced engine warranty.
• XP52 Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 200) Top-tier King Air 200 engine upgrade using PT6A-52 engines, delivering 25% increased climb rate, 31% increased horsepower, and 311+ ktas maximum cruise speed for owners seeking maximum performance.
• XP61 Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 200) Mid-tier King Air 200 engine upgrade using PT6A-61 engines, offering 17% increased climb rate, 22% increased horsepower, and 305+ ktas cruise speed as a balanced performance option.
• XP42 Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 200) Entry-level King Air 200 engine upgrade using PT6A-42 engines, offering 285+ ktas cruise speed at a cost comparable to a standard engine overhaul, with an exclusive STC replacing old PT6A-41 engines.
• XP135A Engine+ Upgrade (King Air 90) Engine upgrade for King Air 90 series aircraft using PT6A-135A engines, delivering 59% increased climb rate, 270+ ktas cruise speed, and 19,000 ft single engine service ceiling.
• XP140 Engine+ Upgrade (Cessna Caravan & Grand Caravan) Engine upgrade for Cessna Caravan 208 and Grand Caravan 208B aircraft using PT6A-140 engines, offering 39% increased climb rate, 192+ ktas cruise speed, 4,000-hour TBO, and 100°C lower starting temperatures.
• VY Engine+ Upgrade (Cessna Caravan) Engine upgrade for Cessna Caravan aircraft using PT6A-42A engines, providing the best rate of climb of all PT6 options, 35% increased climb rate, and 189+ ktas cruise speed.
• XP135A Engine+ Upgrade (Piper Cheyenne I, II, IIXL) Engine upgrade for Piper Cheyenne I, II, and IIXL aircraft using PT6A-135A engines, delivering 43% increased climb rate and 281+ ktas cruise speed.
• XP135A Engine+ Upgrade (Cessna Conquest I) Engine upgrade for Cessna Conquest I aircraft using PT6A-135A engines, delivering 50% increased climb rate and 290+ ktas cruise speed.
• XP66D Engine+ Upgrade (Daher TBM 700) Engine upgrade for Daher TBM 700 Series aircraft using XP66D engines, currently pending EASA certification validation as of April 2026.
• XP67P Engine+ Upgrade (Pilatus PC-12) Engine upgrade for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft using XP67P engines, leveraging Finnoff Aviation Products' PC-12 upgrade expertise following its acquisition by The Blackhawk Group.
• XR Endurance Kit (King Air 350) Comprehensive upgrade package for King Air 350 featuring PT6A-67A engines, 5-blade propellers, CenTex Saddle Tanks, heavyweight landing gear, maritime rudder, and True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion battery for expanded mission capability and endurance.
• C-12 Life Cycle Extension Program Comprehensive program for the C-12 Huron fleet featuring new PT6A-52 engines, MT-Propeller 5-blade propellers, and Garmin G1000 NXi cockpit for legacy aircraft modernization, supporting the U.S. Army C-12 transport fleet.
• 200M Special Missions Upgrade (King Air B200) Special missions performance upgrade for the King Air B200 providing increased fuel capacity and power for improved time on station, 25% faster altitude achievement, and 1,500 lbs increased mission payload.
• MRO Management Services Comprehensive aircraft MRO services including program management, analysis, shipping logistics, engine trend analysis, and flight data monitoring through the Engine Management PLUS+ program for government and commercial customers.
• Performance Center Maintenance Full-service aircraft maintenance and repair including phase inspections, DOC inspections, pre-purchase inspections, avionics installation, and structural repairs through FAA Part 145 certified repair stations at all Performance Center locations.
• Garmin Avionics Upgrades Comprehensive Garmin avionics installations including G1000 NXi for King Air, G5000 for Citation Excel/XLS, and G600 TXi/GFC600/GTN Xi upgrades performed as an authorized Garmin dealer.
• Collins Aerospace Avionics Upgrades Collins Aerospace avionics installations including Pro Line 21 modernization for King Air and Fusion 1+ & 2+ for King Air and CJ series aircraft performed as an authorized dealer.
• Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) Extensive portfolio of 30+ Supplemental Type Certificates for avionics upgrades and engine modifications covering Cessna, King Air, Hawker, Learjet, Gulfstream/Astra aircraft, representing 20+ years of STC development experience.
• PMA Parts Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) products including wire harnesses, instrument panels, sheet metal parts, and structural components for aircraft applications, pre-manufactured and rigorously tested for seamless installation.
• Aftermarket Avionics Parts Extensive inventory of aftermarket avionics parts including Garmin, Collins Aerospace, Universal Avionics, Honeywell, and Bendix/King components sold with full traceability and FAA/EASA approvals.
• Aircraft Sales and Brokerage Aircraft acquisition, sales, and brokerage services delivered through a strategic partnership with Wetzel Aviation, focusing on King Air platforms and pairing transactions with comprehensive modernization upgrades.
• Mid-Time Engine Solutions High-quality, airworthy mid-time engines removed from operational aircraft with significant time remaining before overhaul, offered as a cost-effective alternative to new engine upgrades with an exclusive STC for PT6A-42 engines replacing old PT6A-41s on King Air 200.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% increased climb rate for King Air 350
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Wetzel AviationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 March 2026The Blackhawk Group and Wetzel Aviation announced a strategic partnership for aircraft sales and upgrades. Wetzel leads aircraft acquisition and sales activities leveraging its extensive sales network, while Blackhawk performs comprehensive modernization upgrades including engines, avionics, and airframe enhancements. Contact: Office: +1 (303) 468 4800, [email protected]
• MCA AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMCA Aviation joined The Blackhawk Group to expand Blackhawk's Performance Center Network to European operators. Located at Bournemouth International Airport, UK, MCA provides comprehensive aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and avionics services.
• Finnoff Aviation ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Blackhawk Group (formerly New State Aviation Holdings). Finnoff brings Pilatus PC-12 upgrade expertise to the Blackhawk portfolio, creating a comprehensive light turbine aircraft powerhouse.
• AVEX AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Blackhawk Group. AVEX brings TBM series aircraft sales and maintenance proficiency, expanding Blackhawk's capabilities in the light turbine aircraft market.
• Pratt & Whitney CanadacoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive supplier of PT6 turboprop engines for Blackhawk's XP Engine+ Upgrades. Blackhawk is the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines. Engines include PT6A-67A, PT6A-61, PT6A-52, PT6A-42, PT6A-135A, PT6A-140, and PT6A-42A variants.
• GarminmajorTechnology or IntegrationBlackhawk develops and installs Garmin avionics including G1000 NXi, G5000, G600 TXi/GFC600 systems. Authorized dealer for Garmin products with multiple STCs for Garmin installations.
• Collins AerospacemajorTechnology or IntegrationBlackhawk offers Collins Pro Line 21 and Fusion avionics upgrades. Authorized dealer for Collins Aerospace products including Pro Line Fusion for King Air and CJ aircraft.
• MT-PropellersmajorTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of composite 4- and 5-blade propellers for Blackhawk upgrades. Fast and lightweight props allow aircraft to experience full potential of upgraded engines.
• Hartzell PropellersmajorTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of carbon fiber 5-blade propellers and swept blade propellers for Blackhawk upgrades. Options include 3- and 4-blade propeller choices for increased performance.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlackhawk provides performance enhancement kits for SNC's government aircraft modification and integration projects, supplying upgrades for the U.S. Army's fleet of 24 EMARSS aircraft.
• L3Harris TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlackhawk managed the 205 aircraft U.S. Army C-12 transport fleet including SEMA fleet Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) through L3 Vertex. Reduced average engine overhaul time from 120 days to 45 days.
• FlightSafety InternationalminorOthersBlackhawk provides Pratt & Whitney Canada Customer Training from FlightSafety International as part of engine upgrade packages.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Signature TECHNICAir: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul arm of Signature Flight Support, performing engine and avionics work on King Air, Caravan, and other turboprops. A direct peer in the global Performance Center/installer channel and an authorized Blackhawk installation partner.
• Raisbeck Engineering: Developer of STC-based aerodynamic and performance upgrades for King Air and Caravan aircraft. Overlaps directly with Blackhawk's additional-upgrade portfolio (Crown Wing Locker, Dual Aft Body Strakes, High Floatation Gear Doors) and competes for the same upgrade customer wallet.
• Elliott Aviation: Multi-location Beechcraft/Hawker authorized service center that performs King Air and turboprop engine upgrades, avionics installations, and MRO. Closely comparable business model combining Performance-Center-style facilities with upgrade services on overlapping airframes.
• StandardAero: One of the largest independent PT6 engine MRO providers globally and an authorized P&WC service network. Competes for engine overhaul and upgrade work on the same turboprop fleet Blackhawk targets and shares the PT6 aftermarket value chain.
• Stevens Aerospace: Turboprop MRO and engine upgrade provider with FAA Part 145 stations serving King Air and similar platforms. Competes in the same modification, retrofit, and engine-upgrade channel and is also an authorized Blackhawk installation partner.
• Sierra Industries: Long-standing direct competitor developing STC engine upgrades and modifications for King Air, Cheyenne, and other turboprops. Competes head-to-head with Blackhawk on the same airframes with parallel PT6-based STCs, making it the most directly comparable peer in the turboprop upgrade market.

Broad incumbents

• Daher: OEM of the TBM 700/850/900 series that Blackhawk's XP66D Engine+ Upgrade targets. Comparable as the underlying manufacturer for Blackhawk's European TBM upgrade expansion and a potential source of factory competing performance options.
• Pilatus Aircraft: OEM of the PC-12 single-engine turboprop. Blackhawk's Finnoff Aviation acquisition specifically targets PC-12 upgrade expertise, making Pilatus the natural OEM incumbent counterpart for that segment of Blackhawk's portfolio.
• Pratt & Whitney Canada: Sole supplier of PT6 turboprop engines underpinning all Blackhawk XP Engine+ upgrades. Functions as a critical supplier and holds the OEM service-network franchise that could compete with or complement Blackhawk's MRO and engine upgrade business.
• Textron Aviation (Beechcraft): OEM of the King Air, Bonanza, and Baron turboprop families that Blackhawk upgrades. As the manufacturer of the underlying airframes, Textron represents both the baseline being upgraded and a potential competitive threat through factory performance enhancements or new platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BlackhawkXP
• Facebookfacebook.com/blackhawkaerospace

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blackhawk Aerospace