Airwolf Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for installation of True Blue Power lithium-ion main ship batteries in a variety of helicopter models, and the company has also developed the Airwolf Smart Charger to support those batteries.
The newest STC is for installation of the TB20 battery in the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350 and AS355. Airwolf also holds STCs for the TB17 in the Airbus H125/AS250, AS355, EC120, and H130/EC130; Bell 206A/B and 206 L through L4; Enstrom 480B, Hiller UH-12E, and MD Helicopters 369/500 series.
True Blue Power batteries weigh less than lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries and deliver longer life and faster, cooler engine starts. A built-in heating system enables safe operation in extreme cold conditions. There are no requirements for frequent capacity checks of the True Blue batteries so maintenance costs are lower.
The Airwolf Smart Charger includes a quick connector and offers users the flexibility to charge the True Blue lithium-ion battery while it is connected to the helicopter or with the battery disconnected but still installed. “Operators of these aircraft and other aircraft that use lithium-ion main ship batteries need a low-cost lithium-ion-capable charger,” according to Airwolf.