CenTex shows Halo Mod and Saddle Tanks

CenTex Aerospace (Booth N3323) is showcasing here in Las Vegas its Halo 250 commuter category conversion for King Air 200 series turboprops, and the latest addition to its line of fuel and baggage saddle tanks for King Air 200s and 350s.

The Halo conversion increases payload by moving the airplane into commuter category and boosting mtow to 13,420 pounds. Safety features added in the Halo upgrade include improved stall warning in icing conditions, aural overspeed and elevator out-of-trim warnings, engine fire extinguisher capability and cabin emergency lighting.

The Halo 250 conversion is available as both an aftermarket retrofit and OEM option. Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft offers the upgrade as the Enhanced Payload option King Air 250, chosen by one-third of buyers over the past year, according to Waco, Texas-based CenTex. The payload boost will also be available on new Proline Fusion-equipped King Air 250s. A new AFM supplement includes takeoff and landing data up to 14,000 feet to allow operations into high-elevation airports.

In its fuel tank products, the company’s new ST72 Saddle Tanks add 72 gallons of fuel capacity and a 55- by 28-inch external cargo bay to the 200/350 King Airs. Originally developed for a King Air air-ambulance and special-mission operator, CenTex has decided to offer the tanks as standard aftermarket products.

The saddle tank line includes the ST190 and ST120 and has achieved numerous milestones since last year’sNBAA show, including receiving approval from EASA, Transport Canada and Brazil’s ANAC. Additionally, Elliott Aviation and World Wide Aircraft Services have both completed their first saddle tank installations.