True Blue Power Lithium-ion Batteries Enter Commercial / Air Transport Service on R1 Airlines, Bombardier Dash 8 Series Aircraft
R1 Airlines, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has become the first commercial operator to utilize an aircraft equipped with True Blue Power lithium-ion main aircraft batteries in revenue service. The on-demand charter service, which is an Avmax managed company, installed the battery on a Bombardier Dash 8 after True Blue Power and Avmax received a Part 25 STC from TCCA for installation of the True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion battery on Bombardier DHC-8 100/200/300 series aircraft. True Blue Power and Avmax have applied for U.S. FAA bilateral acceptance of the same STC for use on U.S.-based aircraft.
The value brought to Dash 8 by the TB44 lithium-ion battery is significant in terms of operational cost savings and performance improvements:
- Reduces empty weight and increases useful load by 56 – 80 pounds when compared to NiCad and lead-acid
- Significantly reduced maintenance cost — 2-year maintenance intervals
- Superior high temperature and cold weather performance -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
- Reduces Dash 8 fuel and maintenance costs by up to $5,000/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
- Total value of all cost savings and benefits equal up to $25,000/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
- Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 3 tons/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
“In an industry that moves fast and reinvents itself daily, we rally around innovation that allows us and our clients to streamline operations, run efficiently and maximize profit,” said Al Young, Vice President, Operations, Avmax Aviation Services and Vice President for R1 Airlines. “In an effort to be one step ahead of our clients’ needs, we have to be early adopters, we have to be sophisticated and focused if we are to be recognized as anchors within the realm of airline charter companies. We are excited to be the launch partners for True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries, a superior solution to the traditional NiCad battery alternative.”
Together with its affiliates, R1 Airlines offers domestic and international business charter service and ACMI operations. As an Avmax managed company, R1 Airlines has access to the world’s largest private fleet of Dash 8 aircraft, and is backed by the strength of a global MRO support network and supply chain.
The TB44 will be on display at the True Blue Power booth #C9639 throughout the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition, November 17–19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
True Blue Power Lithium-ion Main Aircraft Batteries to Power Beechcraft Bonanzas
Company receives Part 23 STC for lithium-ion batteries
At the company’s NBAA press conference, True Blue Power announced the receipt of a TCCA Part 23 STC for installation of the True Blue Power TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion aircraft battery on the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza. True Blue Power has applied for U.S. FAA bilateral acceptance of the same STC for use on U.S.-based aircraft.
“This certification is a significant milestone for us,” said Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager. “It provides the baseline for subsequent STC processes on a long list of aircraft applications awaiting True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries.”
The TB17 utilizes Nanophosphate® lithium-ion chemistry to provide unmatched power, energy, safety and life. The advanced battery system weighs less than 16 pounds, delivering a 45 percent weight savings compared to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium alternatives.
“The advantages offered by Nanophosphate® lithium-ion chemistry are numerous and impressive, but the most significant is undoubtedly safety,” Slater noted. “It is more chemically stable and does not produce high levels of heat or oxygen, even in the rare event of battery over-temperature or over-voltage. In addition to advanced chemistry, the TB17 is engineered with several layers of protection. It’s a smart pack,” Slater explained. “Safety is addressed at multiple levels including chemistry, cell design, containment, and the integration of sophisticated electronic protection systems.”
The TB17 requires less maintenance and delivers cooler engine starts, faster recharge rates, and better high-temperature and cold weather performance when compared to lead-acid batteries. This results in a considerable cost savings for the operator, specifically when amortized over the extended service life
of the battery.
The TB17 will be on display at the True Blue Power booth #C9639 throughout the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition, November 17–19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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True Blue Power Announces
Complete and In Progress Part 23, 25 and 27 STCs for Lithium-ion Batteries
Bombardier DHC-8 (Dash 8) 100/200/300 Series Part 25 STC
TB44 (46 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) — Complete
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bilateral STC Acceptance — In Process
Bombardier DHC-8 (Dash 8) 100/200/300 Series Part 25 STC launch customers
TB44 (46 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
Robinson R44 Part 27 STC
TB17 (17 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — In Process
Eurocopter AS350 AStar Part 27 STC
TB17 (17 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — In Process
Bombardier DHC-6 Twin Otter Part 23 STC
TB44 (46 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) — In Process
Beechcraft A36 Bonanza Part 23 STC
TB17 (17 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) — Complete
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bilateral STC Acceptance — In Process
Cessna 208 / 208B Caravan Part 23 STC
TB44 (46 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — In Process
Pilatus PC-12 Part 23 STC
TB44 (46 amp-hour) True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — In Process
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About True Blue Power
True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the global aviation industry.
Products include USB charging ports, converters, inverters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion batteries. Select products feature proprietary, Nanophosphate® Lithium-ion battery technology, which offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance — this translates into smaller, lighter products that are less than half the size and weight of existing solutions.
For more information, visit www.truebluepowerusa.com.
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About Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures, overhauls and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions for the global aerospace industry.
Serving 57 countries, Mid-Continent supports business and commercial aviation, UAV, defense, and special missions markets.
The company manufactures more than 20,000 units per year and processes more than 15,000 units in its overhaul, exchange and repair operation. Mid-Continent’s customer base includes OEMs, FBOs, instrument and avionics shops, flight schools and government agencies. Mid-Continent products are found in most Cessna-built aircraft, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Nextant Aerospace, Vulcanair, Robinson Helicopter, Airbus Helicopter, Bell Helicopter, Enstrom Helicopter, MD Helicopters, and many more. For additional information, please visit mcico.com.
For more information, visit www.mcico.com.
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Interesting facts about True Blue Power and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
- True Blue Power is a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Company (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics).
- True Blue Power specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the aviation industry, including USB charging ports, inverters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion batteries.
- True Blue Power is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certifications for three sophisticated lithium-ion battery products: The TS835 Series Emergency Power Supply, TB17 (17 amp hour) and TB44 (44 amp hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics celebrated 50 years of business on October 8, 2014.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures 20,000 new units each year.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics overhauls, exchanges and repairs more than 15,000 units each year.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has the expertise to overhaul more than 6,000 different products.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics repairs Bendix/King autopilots, weather radars, radar altimeters and Silver Crown Avionics.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ Van Nuys, California location has expanded its repair capabilities to include Bendix/King HF systems.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an Authorized Service Center for: Bendix/King by Honeywell, Kannad Aviation, Trig Avionics Limited, United Instruments, Inc.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an Authorized Warranty Service Center for: Bendix/King by Honeywell, Kannad Aviation, Trig Avionics Limited.
- Online ordering is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through a newly updated user friendly website at www.mcico.com.
- View True Blue Power and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics product and service videos on the Mid-Continent YouTube channel.
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