Custom-Integrated, Lithium-Ion Battery Modules To Power Innovative Seaplane’s Electric Propulsion System

As the aviation community celebrated Burt Rutan and his unequalled contributions to the aerospace industry at EAA AirVenture 2015 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, True Blue Power announced the company’s custom-integrated, lithium-ion battery modules—developed in partnership with the electromechanical product development specialists at Regan Designs—will power Rutan’s most recent project: the SkiGull.

The SkiGull is a next-generation seaplane developed by Rutan and Regan Designs. The aircraft is designed to land on a variety of surfaces (water, snow, and unimproved land), allowing access to remote areas like never before. True Blue Power lithium-ion battery modules power the aircraft’s unique auxiliary, electrical propulsion system, which is utilized for docking/beaching in winds, engine-out safety and takeoff thrust boost.

“SkiGull’s incredibly sophisticated and efficient design dictates the need for a reliable, safe, lightweight, and compact power source. We are pleased to deliver just that,” said Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager.

True Blue Power lithium-ion solutions utilize a proprietary Nanophosphate lithium-ion cell chemistry that offers superior energy density, delivering 3 times the energy per kilogram when compared to lead-acid or nickel-cadmium (NiCad) alternatives. True Blue Power batteries offer 40 – 45 percent weight savings and 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.

“Burt is one of aviation’s most respected innovators. We salute his contributions and have a long history that includes Voyager, StarShip, GlobalFlyer, VariEze, BiPod, SpaceShipOne and SpaceShipTwo. SkiGull is yet another great endeavor that we are proud to be a part of,” noted Todd Winter, True Blue Power President and Chief Executive Officer.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://truebluepowerusa.com