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Helicopter operators in Japan can now replace main-ship batteries with True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries under Airwolf Aerospace supplemental type certificates (STCs) recently approved by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). The STCs cover the TB17 and TB20 batteries and add Japan to the list of regulators that have approved installation in a variety of helicopters, including the FAA, EASA, Brazil’s ANAC, Transport Canada, and UK CAA.
Helicopters covered by the JCAB STCs include the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350, AS355, EC120, and H130/EC130; Bell 206A/B and 206L/L1/L3/L4; Enstrom 480B; Hiller UH-12E; and MD Helicopters MD 369/500.
True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are FAA TSO-approved and, depending on the model and the type of battery replaced, are up to 63% lighter. Weighing 16 pounds, the 17-amp-hour TB17 is 45% lighter than lead-acid or nicad alternatives, according to True Blue Power. The 20-amp-hour TB20 weighs 19.5 pounds. Built-in heaters automatically warm the batteries, eliminating the need to carry batteries into warm buildings while the aircraft is parked in cold weather.
The batteries also help with faster and cooler turbine engine starting and recharge within minutes after engine start. The TB17 has a two-year maintenance cycle while the TB20 is maintained on-condition, and both have a service life of eight years.
Helicopter operators in Japan can now replace main-ship batteries with True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries under Airwolf Aerospace supplemental type certificates (STCs) recently approved by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). The STCs cover the TB17 and TB20 batteries and add Japan to the list of regulators that have approved installation in a variety of helicopters, including the U.S. (FAA), Europe (EASA), Brazil (ANAC), Transport Canada (TCCA), and UK (CAA).
Helicopters covered by the JCAB STCs include the Airbus H125/AS350, AS355, EC120, and H130/EC130; Bell 206A/B and 206L/L1/L3/L4; Enstrom 480B; Hiller UH-12E; and MD 369/500.
True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are FAA TSO-approved and, depending on the model and the type of battery replaced, are up to 63% lighter. Weighing 16 pounds, the 17-amp-hour TB17 is 45% lighter than lead-acid or nicad alternatives, according to True Blue Power. The 20-amp-hour TB20 weighs 19.5 pounds. Built-in heaters automatically warm the batteries, eliminating the need to carry batteries into warm buildings while the aircraft is parked in cold weather.
The batteries also help with faster and cooler turbine engine starting and recharge within minutes after engine start. The TB17 has a two-year maintenance cycle while the TB20 is maintained on-condition, and both have a service life of eight years.
Airwolf Aerospace is highlighting the True Blue Power batteries at its Verticon booth and sharing information about other lithium-ion battery STCs.