Battery manufacturer True Blue Power® has formed a partnership with Helicopter MRO Phoenix Heliparts (PHP) to install advanced lithium-ion batteries into American aircraft.
The US based companies are pursuing a series of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 27 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) – the first of which will see MD Series helicopters fitted with TB17 battery by early 2016.
The TB17 battery uses a proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry, delivering three times the energy per kilogram of lead-acid, according to PHP.
The batteries offer 17 amp-hour battery nominal at 23°C/73.4°F – but can perform up to 50°C/122°F and weigh 15.6lbs.
STCs allow major modification or repair to an existing type certified aircraft and have to be certified by FAA, the national aviation authority of the United States.
Phoenix Heli-Support service a wide range of military, commercial and private aircraft including, Bell, MD, and Airbus helicopters.
