Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and True Blue Power
Present NBAA 2018 (NBAA Display #2265 )

Ravn Alaska Upgrades DHC-8 Fleet with True Blue Power® High-Performance, Lithium-ion Batteries

True Blue Power, a globally recognized manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, announced Ravn Alaska has installed the company’s TB44 (46 amp-hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries on 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 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 off line due to low voltage like they do with NiCad batteries.”

The TB44 certified Nanophosphate® lithium-ion battery cell chemistry 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, measureable 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 dioxide 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 TSO EASA, 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 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery will be on display in the True Blue Power booth #2265 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, October 16 – 18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. 

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Distributes StartStick® and StartStick® Fleet Ground Power Units

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is a U.S. distributor for Aviation Battery Systems’ StartStick® and StartStick® Fleet ground power units and accessories. 

“We are very excited to be a part of such a great team and are looking forward to using it to deliver value to our customers.” said Todd Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Battery Systems.

StartStick and StartStick Fleet are the world’s first stowable, in-flight rechargeable ground power units. Ideal for rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms, the 10-amp-hour and 14-amp-hour power supplies fit most aircraft ground power receptacles. They offer added convenience with their compact, cable-less design and multi-functional digital display. The brand’s signature red polymer case is impact, water and chemical resistant.

Manufactured in the United States, StartStick and StartStick Fleet are engineered with Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry. Their dependable design and cutting-edge technology provide pilots with a safe, convenient and proven product.

StartStick Benefits

• Durable and long lasting
• Cable-less, compact design
• Easy-to-read digital display
• 3 – 4 starts per charge
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Stowable
• Rechargeable in flight

StartStick and StartStick Fleet will be on display at the Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics booth #2265 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, October 16 – 18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. 

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Delivers New, Easy-to-Install Magnetometer

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics introduces the new MD32 Magnetometer designed specifically for the company’s MD302 Standby Attitude Module (SAM®).
 

The MD32 Magnetometer delivers independent heading reference without orientation limitations or the need for special installation hardware. Its compact design, unique mounting flexibility and convenient cockpit calibration ensure easy, economical installation.

“The MD32 Magnetometer provides heading information independent of the primary avionics,” said David Copeland, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ Director of Sales. “With this optional magnetometer, SAM is now the first certified indicator to deliver independent attitude, altitude, airspeed, vertical trend, slip and heading information in a 2-inch format.”

The MD32 Magnetometer and SAM® will be on display at the Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics booth #2265 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, October 16 – 18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. 

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 aviation industry.

Products include USB charging ports, voltage converters, inverters, 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 more information, visit www.truebluepowerusa.com.

About Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures, overhauls and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions for the global aerospace industry. Operating within an AS9100D-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 OEMs, FBOs, instrument and avionics shops, flight schools and government agencies. Mid-Continent products are found in most Cessna-built aircraft, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Nextant Aerospace, Vulcanair, Robinson Helicopter, Airbus Helicopter, Bell, Enstrom Helicopter, MD Helicopters, and many more.

For more information, visit www.mcico.com.

Interesting Facts About True Blue Power and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics

• True Blue Power is a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Company (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics).
• True Blue Power specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the aviation industry, including USB charging ports, inverters, voltage converters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion aircraft batteries.
• True Blue Power is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certifications for three sophisticated lithium-ion battery products: The TS835 Series Emergency Power Supply, TB17 (17 amp hour) and TB44 (46 amp hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an AS9100D-certified facility.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics celebrated 50 years of business on October 8, 2014.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures more than 20,000 new units each year.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics overhauls, exchanges and repairs more than 15,000 units each year.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has the expertise to overhaul more than 6,000 different products.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ MD302 Standby Attitude Module (SAM®) is FAA STC approved on 490 aircraft models.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an Authorized Service Center for: BendixKing, Kannad Aviation, Trig Avionics Limited, United Instruments, Inc.
• Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an Authorized Warranty Service Center for: BendixKing, Kannad Aviation, Trig Avionics Limited.
• Online ordering is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through a newly updated user friendly website at www.mcico.com.
• View True Blue Power and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics product and service videos on the Mid-Continent YouTube channel.

FMI: www.mcico.com, www.truebluepowerusa.com, NBAA #2265