Will Work Toward Certification For Lithium-ion Main Ship Battery For Rotorcraft

Phoenix Heliparts (PHP) is partnering with True Blue Power to pursue a series of FAA Part 27 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the installation of the True Blue Power TB17 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery into many of the airframes PHP supports. Initial STC certification plans for the TB17 include the MD Series helicopters, with anticipated completion in early 2016.

"The TB17 is a main ship battery that provides significant weight savings when compared to older, lead-acid and NiCad batteries. It requires less maintenance, offers cooler engine starts, faster recharge rates, and better cold weather performance," said Tina Cannon, PHP President. PHP and Phoenix Heli-Support service a wide range of military, commercial and private aircraft including, Bell, MD, and Airbus helicopters. "Our customers need every ounce of useful load," Cannon said. "The weight savings alone is tremendous. It translates into more fuel and equipment on board."

"As the number of True Blue Power's certified lithium-ion products continues to grow, the incorporation of this advanced technology by airframe manufacturers, maintenance and modification centers gains momentum," explained Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager. "Phoenix Heliparts was quick to identify that the significant weight savings, desirable operational characteristics, and reduced maintenance costs are ideal for the rotorcraft market. We're thrilled to be working with PHP. Completing this series of Part 27 STCs is the first step in delivering this important technology to their wide-reaching customer base," added Slater.

The TB17 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery utilizes a proprietary Nanophosphate Lithium-ion cell chemistry that offers superior energy density, delivering 3 times the energy per kilogram when compared to lead acid. True Blue Power products are engineered to provide an overall lower cost of ownership with 50 - 90 percent less scheduled maintenance cost. This is the result of increased durability, 2-year maintenance intervals, efficient engine starts and gaining 2 - 3 times longer useful battery life.

FMI: www.phoenixheliparts.com, www.truebluepowerusa.com