FAA grants STCs for True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion batteries on Cessna Model 208 and 208B Caravans, Bombardier Dash-8 100/200/300 Series aircraft.
True Blue Power announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the company’s TB44 (46-amp hour) lithium-ion batteries on Cessna Model 208 and 208B Caravans, and Bombardier Dash-8 100/200/300 Series aircraft. This is the second FAA certification announcement for True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries issued this month, indicating growing acceptance of the technology among government regulators, aircraft manufacturers, and operators industry wide.
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“Whether carrying cargo for Federal Express, medical supplies in Africa, fisherman in Alaska, or fare-paying passengers in Canada, Caravan and Dash-8 operators around the world require consistent and reliable power. The TB44 delivers that and more,” noted Rick Slater, Director, True Blue Power. “True Blue Power batteries utilize the most sophisticated lithium-ion chemistry available, providing Caravan and Dash-8 operators with reduced weight, increased payload, extended useful life, lower direct operating cost, and higher profit potential.”
The value brought to Caravan and Dash-8 operators by the TB44 lithium-ion battery is significant in terms of operational and performance improvements:
- Increased power — 3 times the energy per kilogram
- Extended useful battery life — more than double lead-acid and NiCad alternatives
- Rapid recharge — back-to-back engine starts
- Cooler and cleaner engine starts — less wear and extended life on engine components
- Superior high temperature and cold weather performance (-40°C/-40°F to +70°C/158°F)
- Reduced empty weight and increased useful load — more cargo, more passengers, longer range
- Reduced maintenance costs — 50 to 90 percent less scheduled maintenance
- Reduced direct operating costs — less fuel, less maintenance, less ground personnel, less infrastructure
- Zero carbon emissions — eco-friendly Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry
The TB44 will be on display at the True Blue Power Booth #2050 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition November 1 – 3 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
FAA Issues First Ever STC for Lithium-ion Main Ship Batteries to True Blue Power
Aftermarket receives green light for lithium-ion main ship batteries, FAA approves True Blue Power TB17 battery on Robinson R44 helicopters.
True Blue Power announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the company’s TB17 (17-amp hour) lithium-ion batteries on Robinson R44 helicopters. This is the first STC granted by the FAA for lithium-ion battery use as a primary electrical power source, including engine start. True Blue Power partnered with St. Louis Helicopter, LLC to secure the STC.
“We are extremely proud that the TB17 has received the FAA’s first lithium-ion main ship battery STC,” said Rick Slater, Director, True Blue Power. “With this approval, the FAA recognizes that True Blue Power lithium-ion products are safe, effective, and a viable source of main ship power. This is their stamp of approval and it is groundbreaking.” Slater added.
“The TB17 is a perfect solution for R44 owners and operators,” said Jim Robinson, President, St. Louis Helicopter. “Weighing less than 16 pounds, the TB17 is 40 percent lighter than the factory provided battery. Upgrading to the TB17 provides R44 operators the benefit of increased payload, faster engine starts, significantly reduced maintenance cost, and more than double the useful battery life. We found those benefits, combined with the visibility of the ACU to monitor and report battery status, to be ideal for our customers and R44 operators worldwide.”
True Blue Power operates within an AS9100C certified facility and specializes in the custom design and manufacture of advanced power solutions for the global aerospace industry. Select products feature proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry, which provides unmatched power, energy, safety, and life. Along with receiving the FAA’s first STC approval, True Blue Power is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certification for lithium-ion batteries.
The TB17 will be on display at the True Blue Power Booth #2050 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition November 1 – 3 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
True Blue Power Introduces New TC230 14-volt to 28-volt Step-up Converter
True Blue Power introduced the company’s new TC230 14-volt to 28-volt step-up converters. The TC230 Series Converter utilizes the aircraft’s 14-volt system to power 28-volt avionics, instruments and accessories, including radios, GPS, and electronic equipment. The 230-watt power source is the smallest and lightest step-up converter in aviation, today.
Ideal for general, business, and commercial aircraft applications, the TC230 Series DC-to-DC Converter supplies 230 watts of power from the aircraft’s existing 10–18 VDC input to power 28 VDC equipment. The compact, fanless design saves energy, reduces weight, and offers flexible installation.
The TC230 is FAA TSO certified and RTCA DO-160G qualified and includes input transient, overload and short circuit, temperature monitoring, and reverse polarity protection.
The TC230 will be on display at the True Blue Power Booth #2050 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition November 1 – 3 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
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.
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. Operating within an AS9100C certified facility, Mid-Continent serves 57 countries and supports business and commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles (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.
Did You Know?
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, converters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion aircraft 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 (46 amp hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an AS9100C certified facility.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics celebrated 50 years of business on October 8, 2014.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures more than 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 BendixKing autopilots, weather radars, radar altimeters and Silver Crown Avionics.
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an Authorized Service Center for: BendixKing 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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