Story ID: 248TrueBlue
True Blue Power for Bell 505
By: Mark Huber
Caption: The Jet Ranger X will use the lithium-ion engine start battery.
Word Count: 121

The True Blue Power TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion engine-start battery will power the new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

The TB17 battery utilizes proprietary nanophosphate lithium-ion cell chemistry. It weighs less than 16 pounds, offers a 45 percent weight savings, increased payload and 60 to 90 percent reduced maintenance costs compared to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium alternatives. The battery system is designed with several layers of protection and communicates real-time battery status to the pilot.

“The advanced technology on the Bell 505–especially its innovative Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine–relies on a high-power, low-maintenance battery that is ideal for rugged environments. This includes extreme low and high-temperature conditions,” said True Blue Power division manager Rick Slater. “Our lithium-ion battery delivers that and more.”