Lithium Battery STCs Underway for Popular Bizjets

Lithium-ion battery manufacturer True Blue Power and 101 Aviation are anticipating FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals of Gen5 lithium-ion batteries in Gulfstream and Bombardier business jets in the first half of 2026. The batteries are on display this week at True Blue Power’s NBAA-BACE exhibit.

The STCs are being developed by 101 Aviation and will cover the Bombardier CRJ series, Challenger 601, 604, 605, and 650, and Global Express, as well as the Gulfstream IV, V, and G450. More STCs will follow, according to True Blue Power.

In the Gulfstreams and Global Express, two 50-amp-hour TB50s will be installed, while the Challengers and CRJs will use a TB50 and 20-amp-hour TB20.

Advantages of the True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are estimated savings of $4,000 per year on battery service costs; improved aircraft availability; average useful life of eight years; nearly half the weight of comparable Ni-Cad or lead-acid batteries; cooler and faster engine starts; and more energy for emergency and backup power. Recharge times are much faster, and the batteries incorporate built-in heaters that warm them up before engine start in cold temperatures.

True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are certified to TSO-C179b, RTCA DO-311A, RTCA DO-160G, and RTCA DO-178C design assurance level A.

“True Blue Power’s advanced lithium-ion battery technology has a perfect safety record, with more than 12 million flight hours on FAA Part 23, 25, and 27 aircraft,” said Michael McClain, president of 101 Aviation. “These STCs provide the opportunity for business jet operators to maximize aircraft availability, reliability, and income-earning potential. Built to last, we’re backing our STC Kit with an extended four-year warranty.”