Airwolf Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals to install True Blue Power TB17 main-ship lithium-ion batteries in 10 helicopter models. The STCs cover the Airbus AS350/H125, AS355, EC120, and EC130/H130; Bell 206A/B and L through L4; Enstrom 480B; Hiller UH-12E; and MD Helicopters MD369/500. Other STCs are in the works.
The battery kit includes the True Blue Power TB17, annunciator, wiring harness, and mounting hardware. According to Airwolf, “This is everything required except weight that may need to be added in some installations depending on the weight and balance of the helicopter.”
A key advantage of the TB17 battery is that it weighs 16 pounds, which is about 65 percent lighter compared to lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries used in these helicopters, according to Airwolf. The lithium-ion battery provides faster and cooler engine starts, an average eight-year life with a two-year maintenance cycle, and a built-in heater to warm the battery in cold weather.
When fully discharged, the TB17 has a fast recovery time and can be recharged in 30 minutes. However, more pertinent is how quickly the battery recharges after an engine starts. According to Airwolf, "The start tests in a Bell 206B show that the battery is fully charged in only 3 minutes and 8 seconds after start.”
Battery protection features include overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit, over-temperature, under-temperature, and charge current limiting protection.
For AS350 installations, the TB17 can be installed in several locations such as “the baggage compartment, the large door tail cone, and the small door aft tail cone positions,” Airwolf said.