True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., Wichita, Kansas, United States, announced Vertical Flight Solutions (VFS) by EuroTec Canada Ltd., Millgrove, Ontario, has received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approval for the installation of the ultra-lightweight True Blue Power TB17 lithium-ion main ship battery on Airbus H125/AS350 Series helicopters, Verticalmag.com reports.
The battery integration requires no structural work and includes an NVIS-compatible cockpit annunciator. Additional approvals, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), are expected to follow.
“Lithium-ion technology is the next generation of aircraft batteries,” said Adam Boyko, Avionics manager for EuroTec Canada. “As aircraft technology and avionics advance, we are pleased to offer a main ship battery solution that follows suit. The popular Airbus H125/AS350 helicopter was the next logical step to integrate with our proven design.”
The TSO-certified TB17 lithium-ion battery provides significant operational and performance advantages to Airbus H125/AS350 owners and operators:
Reduced weight and increased useful load
· 52% lighter than nickel-cadmium (NiCad) alternatives
62% lighter than lead-acid alternatives
Faster, cooler engine starts
· Higher nominal output voltage results in more reliable and efficient turbine starts
Significantly reduced maintenance and operational costs
· 8-year (average) useful battery life
· Simplified, 2-year maintenance intervals
· Reduced replacement intervals
Superior high temperature and cold weather performance
· -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
Automatic internal heater
Intelligent battery status communication to the cockpit
“EuroTec customers value our batteries ease of installation, proven safety, state-of-the-art monitoring system and their ability to eliminate cold weather problems,” said Erik Ritzman, Director of True Blue Power. “EuroTec continues to build a growing list of True Blue Power battery upgrade STC kits. In addition to the Airbus H125/AS350 and H130/EC130, STCs for the Airbus H135, Leonardo 109 and Bell 407 Series helicopters are in development.”
