The FAA has issued parts manufacturer approval (PMA) to Teledyne Technologies division Gill Batteries for its 7407-28 sealed lead-acid battery for all models of the Bell 407. Bell has also selected the 7407-28 battery as standard equipment on new Bell 407 GXPs.
In addition to costing less than competing batteries, Gill’s sealed lead-acid batteries are simpler to maintain compared to nickel-cadmium batteries. The 7407-28 can be used for up to 18 months or 1,800 hours before requiring removal for charging and a capacity check, according to Gill. It also offers more initial startup power, more residual power after engine start and up to 50-percent faster recharge rates.
Gill Batteries plans to seek FAA approval for the 7407-28 battery on Airbus, Leonardo and Robinson helicopter models. “Our plan is to continue to add FAA STCs and PMA approvals for our 7000 series/LT sealed lead-acid batteries for these rotorcraft throughout this year,” said Gill Batteries general manager Armando Chacon.
Gill Batteries is based in Redlands, Calif., and has been manufacturing lead-acid batteries since 1920. Unlike Gill’s dry-charged batteries, which must be filled with electrolyte and charged before use, sealed lead-acid batteries are already charged at the factory and ready for installation in the aircraft without further charging or servicing.
Gill’s 7000 series batteries feature high IPP and IPR ratings, which are measurements of starting power and capacity after engine starting, according to Chacon. “The 7000 series rates much higher than the competition for a similar footprint [battery],” he said. This is especially useful for short flight durations, where the battery needs to be recharged in a short period of time. “Our batteries have that higher IPR so you will be able to restart and do short hops.”
The Gill LT sealed batteries have a two-year, 1,200-hour warranty. While sealed batteries cost more than dry-charged batteries, the lower maintenance costs can offset that higher price. “When you factor in the lack of maintenance required for the 7000,” he said, “I believe you’re getting a better value.”
Gill Batteries also offers chargers for all of its batteries, both for maintenance (trickle charging when not flying) and for recovering a battery from a deep discharge. “That’s a unique feature of the 7000 series,” he said. “If it’s deeply discharged, we have the equipment and we provide the training to maintain our batteries to properly bring them back to life. We want our customers to get the full life of the battery.”