True Blue Power, the first company to receive FAA TSO certification for lithium-ion batteries, has added a 60 amp-hour lithium-ion battery to its Gen5 product line.
The TB60 saves up to 50 pounds per battery, significantly reducing aircraft empty weight and increasing useful load, according to officials with the Wichita-based company.
“This battery is a beast. It’s our most powerful battery designed for the most powerful aircraft,” said Van Winter, Market Development Manager for True Blue Power. “It’s ideal for larger Part 135, 29, and 25 aircraft needing higher amp-hours for longer-running emergency and back-up power.”
The TB60 is certified to TSO-C179b, RTCA DO-311A, RTCA DO-160G, and RTCA DO-178C Design Assurance Level A.
According to company officials, benefits include:
- Weighs 55% less and delivers more amp hours per pound than other aircraft battery
- Real-time monitoring communicates real-time state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) data
- Built-in Test (BIT) indicator provides SOC data without the need for external test equipment, load banks, or auxiliary power
- Battery configurations programmed for each specific aircraft, including charge current limit, end-of-life capacity, minimum dispatch capacity, and engine-start readiness
- Eight years useful battery life
- Environmentally friendly: Eliminates toxic metals and acid spills, reduces carbon emissions, and can be recycled or disposed of in area landfills.