US, Canadian and Brazilian Approvals For Replacement Of Nickel Cadmium With Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

The FAA, Transport Canada, and Brazil's ANAC have all granted approvals to Concorde battery for multiple battery replacement options in AW139 aircraft. The STCs allow the replacement of standard nickel cadmium batteries in the AW139 with its Sealed Lead Acid Recombinant Gas (RG), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, as well as separate approvals for the replacement of the 27AH Nickel Cadmium auxiliary battery with a RG-407, 27AH sealed lead acid battery, and the option to convert the 44AH Nickel Cadmium starting battery with Concorde’s RG-380E/44L or the higher capacity RG-380E/60L.

Some AW139 operators who requested a lead acid option conveyed a concern with slow engine starts using the standard Nickel Cadmium battery. The higher capacity RG-380E/60L is constructed with additional plates and was designed for increased cranking power, faster starts and less engine wear.   

Concorde sealed lead acid RG AGM batteries are a more economical solution to Ni-Cd batteries with no maintenance requirements and reduced cost per flight hour. Sealed lead acid technology does not have a memory and does not require unique charging equipment.  Concorde’s sealed lead acid batteries are HAZMAT exempt; they are proven safe and reliable with no risk of thermal runaway. Concorde RG Series batteries may be serviced in any battery facility, including nickel cadmium service facilities.

RG-407, RG-380E/44L and RG-380E/60L are FAA TSO C-173 approved and have passed the rigorous requirements of TSO testing. EASA approval is currently pending. (Concorde images. Upper: RG-407. Lower: RG380E)

FMI: www.concordebattery.com