Airwolf Aerospace has received approval from Brazil’s ANAC for the installation of True Blue Power's TB20 lithium-ion battery in Airbus AS350/H125 and AS355 helicopters.
The company also holds STCs for TB17 installations in the Airbus EC120 and EC130/H130, Bell 206A/B and 206L through L4, Enstrom 480B, MD 369/500, and Hiller UH-12E, with approvals from the FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and ANAC. The TB20 battery is also approved by the FAA and Transport Canada in the AS350/H125 and AS355.
The TSO-certified True Blue Power batteries are up to 63% lighter than comparable lead-acid or nicad batteries, adding more useful load to the helicopter. Engine starts are also much faster and cooler with the higher voltage from the lithium-ion batteries, which take just four to 10 minutes to replenish after start.
Maintenance of the True Blue Power TB17 is required only every two years and is on-condition for the TB20, with average battery life of eight years. During cold weather, the battery’s automatic built-in heater warms up the battery before engine start.
Airwolf is also developing additional STCs for helicopters and airplanes.