Installing Company's High-Performance, Lithium-ion Batteries On DHC-8 Aircraft

Ravn Alaska is installing True Blue Power TB44 (46 amp-hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries on its DeHavilland DHC-8 aircraft. Ravn will install TB44 batteries during routine C-check maintenance operations throughout 2018. The battery outperforms existing nickel-cadmium (NiCad) and lead-acid alternatives, delivering more power, significantly less weight, increased safety, longevity and reduced maintenance costs. The high-performance lithium-ion battery received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on DHC-8 100/200/300 series aircraft in 2015.

“We operate in very remote environments and require efficient, dependable engine-start batteries. True Blue Power delivered,” said Devin Miles, Manager of Technical Services for Ravn Alaska. “With the TB44, we are experiencing increased dispatch reliability. Our crews flying the upgraded Dash-8 aircraft found they don’t need auxiliary power units,” Miles continued. “We are recording faster, cooler engine starts and the avionics don’t drop offline due to low voltage like they do with NiCad batteries.”  

The TB44 certified lithium-ion battery utilizes proprietary Nanophosphate lithium-ion cell chemistry. This smart technology offers superior energy density, delivering three times the energy per kilogram, resulting in a highly-efficient battery that is 56 to 80 pounds lighter than competing NiCad or lead-acid batteries. In addition to significant weight savings, the TB44 provides many long-term, measurable benefits to DHC-8 owners and operators, making it a worthwhile investment:

• Significantly reduces maintenance cost
• 2-year maintenance intervals
• Superior high temperature and cold weather performance -40ºC to +70ºC (-40ºF to +158ºF)
• Reduces carbon emissions Up to 3 tons per year per aircraft when compared to NiCad batteries   
• Reduces DHC-8 fuel and maintenance costs
• Faster engine starts
• Increases dispatch reliability
• Built-in automatic, heater
• Rapid recharge
• Intelligent ARINC communication

True Blue Power is the first company in the world to achieve FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) certifications and STC approval for lithium-ion main ship batteries. In addition to the advanced lithium-ion chemistry, the TB44 is engineered to address safety on multiple levels, including cell design, containment and the integration of electronic protections.

“The TB44 is a dependable, high-power, low-maintenance battery perfect for rugged environments,” said Erik Ritzman, Director of True Blue Power. “With its superior cold weather performance, and exceptional operational characteristics, the TB44 is a significant upgrade from heavy, maintenance-intensive NiCad batteries.”

(Image provided with True Blue Power news release)

FMI: truebluepowerusa.com