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Avmax and True Blue Power have announced the receipt of a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Administration (TCCA) Part 25 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the True Blue Power TB44 (44 amp-hour) lithium-ion aircraft battery on Bombardier Dash 8 100/200/300 aircraft.
The two companies have filed for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 25 approval of the same STC.
“True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are a significant technology upgrade from heavy, maintenance intensive NiCad batteries,” said Tobin Shackelford, vice president of business development and marketing. “Our simple modification has clear financial benefits visible to the bottom line. For operators focused on squeezing performance, this decision makes for a great day at the office.”
The value brought to Dash 8 aircraft by the TB44 lithium-ion battery is significant in terms of operational cost savings and performance improvements:
- Reduces empty weight and increases useful load by 56 – 80 pounds when compared to NiCad and lead-acid
- Significantly reduced maintenance cost — two-year maintenance intervals
- Superior high temperature and cold weather performance -40 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Farenheit to +158 degrees Farenheit)
- Reduces Dash 8 fuel and maintenance costs by up to $5,000/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
- Total value of all cost savings and benefits equal up to $25,000/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
- Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to three tons/year/aircraft when compared to NiCad
The TB44 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery utilizes a proprietary Nanophosphate Lithium-ion cell chemistry that offers superior energy density, delivering three times the energy per kilogram when compared to lead acid or NiCad alternatives.
True Blue Power products are engineered to provide an overall lower cost of ownership, with 50 – 90 per cent less scheduled maintenance cost. This is the result of increased durability, two-year maintenance intervals, more efficient engine starts and longer useful battery life.
“We are very excited about this partnership,” said Rick Slater, True Blue Power division manager. “Avmax is the largest private owner of Dash 8 aircraft in the world and they recognize the significant value our certified lithium-ion batteries bring to this platform. Their engineering division is undoubtedly the most skilled and proficient in completing the STC process. They provide a wealth of experience that will be extremely valuable for subsequent STC efforts on the long list of aircraft awaiting our lithium-ion batteries.”
Avmax’s engineering division is a Transport Canada authorized Design Approval Organization. Last year the company issued more TCCA Dash 8 STCs than all other Canadian Dash 8 STC holders combined.
True Blue Power specializes in the custom design and manufacturing of next-generation power solutions for the global aviation industry. It is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certifications for three sophisticated lithium-ion battery products: the TB17 (17 amp-hour) and TB44 Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries, and the TS835 Lithium-ion Emergency Power Supply.
