Avionics News December 2015 - 48

NEW ENERGY IN BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
Continued from page 46

True Blue Power uses in its products that helped gain the
foundational approvals necessary on a road the company
expects will lead to a sea of change in battery options for
aircraft owners.
"This could save operators literally billions of dollars
in the long term," Winter said. "It's a game changer."
The Part 23 TB44 for the Caravan
True Blue Power designed the TB44 as a replacement
for the sealed lead-acid and nickel cadmium main-ship
batteries currently used on turboprops like Cessna's
Caravans and the Bombardier/de Havilland's Dash 8.
According to the company, in addition to significant
weight savings, the TB44 provides many benefits to
Caravan owners and operators, including:
* More power - three times the electrical energy per
kilogram.
* 40 percent less weight - improving fuel savings,
useful payload and range.
* Two-year maintenance intervals - 50 percent to 90
percent less in scheduled maintenance cost.
* Faster recharge immediately after engine starts -
capable of six engine starts in seven minutes.
* Higher voltage during engine starts - less wear,
less maintenance, and extended useful life.
* Six to 10 years useful life.
* Superior performance at high and low
temperatures (up to 70°C/158°F, down to -40°C/40°F).
* Eco-friendly Nanophosphate Lithium-ion cell
chemistry.
For the Dash 8 100/200/300: Part 25 TB44
The value brought to Dash 8 aircraft by the TB44
lithium-ion battery is significant in terms of operational
cost savings and performance improvements, according
to True Blue Power, and the reason why launch
customers R1 Airlines in Canada, and Avmax in Chad,
sought the STC. Consider the following:
* Reduces empty weight and increases useful load
by 56 to 80 pounds when compared to NiCad and
lead-acid - and this is a two-battery installation.
* Significantly reduced maintenance cost - two-year
maintenance intervals.
* Superior high temperature and cold weather
performance -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F).
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december

2015

Reduces Dash 8 fuel and maintenance costs by up
to $5,000 per year per aircraft when compared to
NiCad.
* Total value of all cost savings and benefits equal
up to $25,000 per year per aircraft compared to
NiCad.
* Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 3 tons
per year per aircraft when compared to NiCad.
"We are excited about this partnership," said Rick
Slater, True Blue Power division manager. "Avmax is the
largest private owner of Dash 8 aircraft in the world, and
it recognizes the significant value our certified
lithium-ion batteries bring to this platform. Its
engineering division is undoubtedly the most skilled and
proficient in completing the STC process. It provides
a wealth of experience that will be extremely valuable
for subsequent STC efforts on the long list of aircraft
awaiting our lithium-ion batteries."
A36 Bonanza: Part 23 TB17
In terms of sheer numbers, the A36 Bonanza represents
the most substantial advance yet for Mid-Continent's
True Blue Power division; thousands of these 24-voltsystem Bonanzas are flying and, like the Dash 8 and
Caravan, the Beechcraft flagship remains in production.
With comparable savings in weight, reduced
maintenance needs, high cranking power and lighter
weight, it's hard to imagine the True Blue Power TB17 not
being a hit with Bonanza owners - owners known for their
devotion to the type and willingness to take every step
possible to enhance comfort, capabilities and reliability.
The pending FAA STC is expected soon thanks to True
Blue Power first winning Canadian STC approval under the
equivalent regulations, the same path taken for the Dash 8.
DHC-6 Twin Otter: Part 23 TB44
Yes, another de Havilland design, one back in
production by Viking Aircraft, with hundreds still flying
in some of the world's most remote and most challenging
environments. The weight and maintenance savings will
be helpful to operators, but not as much as the cranking
and reserve power of the battery in use.
Pilatus PC-12: Part 23 TB44
Finnoff Aviation is also very close to receiving Part 23
STC approval for the TB44 in the popular Pilatus PC-12
single-engine propjet.
As with the other aircraft now STC'd for the larger
True Blue Power lithium-ion battery, the PC-12 gains all

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News December 2015