True Blue Power receives FAA STCs for TB44 lithium-ion batteries on Cessna Model 208 and 208B Caravans, Bombardier Dash-8 100/200/300 Series aircraft.
True Blue Power announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the company’s TB44 (46-amp hour) lithium-ion batteries on Cessna Model 208 and 208B Caravans, and Bombardier Dash-8 100/200/300 Series aircraft.
This is the second FAA certification announcement for True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries issued this month, indicating growing acceptance of the technology among government regulators, aircraft manufacturers, and operators industry wide.
“Whether carrying cargo for Federal Express, medical supplies in Africa, fisherman in Alaska, or fare-paying passengers in Canada, Caravan and Dash-8 operators around the world require consistent and reliable power. The TB44 delivers that and more,” noted Rick Slater, Director, True Blue Power. “True Blue Power batteries utilize the most sophisticated lithium-ion chemistry available, providing Caravan and Dash-8 operators with reduced weight, increased payload, extended useful life, lower direct operating cost, and higher profit potential.”
The value brought to Caravan and Dash-8 operators by the TB44 lithium-ion battery is significant in terms of operational and performance improvements:
- Increased power — 3 times the energy per kilogram
- Extended useful battery life — more than double lead-acid and NiCad alternatives
- Rapid recharge — back-to-back engine starts
- Cooler and cleaner engine starts — less wear and extended life on engine components
- Superior high temperature and cold weather performance (-40°C/-40°F to +70°C/158°F)
- Reduced empty weight and increased useful load — more cargo, more passengers, longer range
- Reduced maintenance costs — 50 to 90 percent less scheduled maintenance
- Reduced direct operating costs — less fuel, less maintenance, less ground personnel, less infrastructure
- Zero carbon emissions — eco-friendly Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry
True Blue Power operates within an AS9100C certified facility and specializes in the custom design and manufacture of advanced power solutions for the global aerospace industry. Select products feature proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry, which provides unmatched power, energy, safety, and life. Along with receiving the first STC granted by the FAA for lithium-ion battery use as a primary electrical power source, including engine start, True Blue Power is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certification for lithium-ion batteries.
The TB44 lithium-ion battery and other True Blue Power products will be on display at the True Blue Power exhibit #2050 during the 2016 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information about True Blue Power contact Rick Slater, Director, True Blue Power at (316) 630-0101 or visit truebluepowerusa.com.
VIEW PILOT REPORT: True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery Upgrade on Dash-8 Aircraft
About True Blue Power – True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the global aerospace industry, including USB charging ports, inverters, converters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion batteries. Select products feature proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium-ion battery technology, which offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance — this translates into smaller, lighter products that are less than half the size and weight of existing solutions. For additional information, please visit truebluepowerusa.com or view Pilot Report: True Blue Power Lithium-ion Aircraft Battery Upgrade on Dash-8 Aircraft.
About Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics) – Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures, overhauls and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions. Operating within an AS9100C certified facility, Mid-Continent serves 57 countries and supports business and commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), defense, and special missions markets. The company manufactures more than 20,000 units per year and processes more than 15,000 units in its overhaul, exchange and repair operation. Mid-Continent’s customer base includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fixed base operators (FBOs), instrument and avionics shops, flight schools and government agencies. For additional information, please visit mcico.com.
