Airwolf Aerospace has inked a deal with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) air support division to install True Blue Power TB17 lithium-ion batteries on the LAPD’s new Airbus H125 helicopters. The TB17 battery offers lower weight, faster and cooler engine starts, an average eight-year life span, less maintenance, and good cold operating capabilities thanks to a built-in heating system.
According to Airwolf Aerospace, the company has more FAA supplemental type certificate approvals for lithium-ion helicopter battery installations than any of its competitors. These approvals include 17-amp-hour True Blue Li-ion batteries for the Airbus H125/AS350, AS355, EC120, and H130/EC130; Bell 206A/B and 206L/L1/L3/L4; Enstrom 480B; Hiller UH-12E; and MD Helicopters 369/500. In addition, it can install 20-amp-hour Li-ion batteries in the Airbus H125/AS350 and AS355.
“Airwolf Aerospace is pleased to be able to offer the LAPD the advantages of lithium power,” it said. “Look for more Airwolf STCs for more helicopter applications and additional battery models soon.”