True Blue Power Introduces Fifth-Generation, Maintenance-free Battery Family

The leading manufacturer of lithium-ion aircraft batteries, True Blue Power, introduced the company’s new, fifth-generation (Gen5) main ship batteries during a press conference today at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo. The ultra-lightweight, TB20 (20 amp-hour), TB30 (30 amp-hour) and TB40 (40 amp-hour) are the company’s first on-condition, lithium-ion, engine-start batteries. Engineered to address the many challenges lead-acid and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) technologies present, the True Blue Power Gen5 family eliminates expensive battery maintenance, frequent capacity checks, low-voltage operational delays and most battery-related AOG situations.

“If you make a list of everything aircraft owners and operators dislike about lead-acid or NiCad batteries and compare that to the advanced features and benefits that our fifth-generation batteries deliver, you’ll find we’ve eliminated all of those pain points and maximized every advantage lithium-ion technology provides,” said Todd Winter, President and CEO of True Blue Power. “We’ve been fine-tuning this revolutionary technology for more than a decade. Our batteries are safer, smarter, lighter and far more cost effective than our nearest competition.”  

Maintenance-free / On-condition Advantages

True Blue Power’s on-condition Gen5 batteries eliminate expensive scheduled battery maintenance and frequent, costly capacity checks. This paramount improvement saves owners and operators up to 90% in total maintenance cost. These battery systems simply indicate if attention is ever needed, including end-of-useful life.

Real-time Monitoring and Programmable Configurations

The intelligent Gen5 engine-start batteries communicate real-time state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) data. Battery configurations are programmed to meet the needs of each specific aircraft. This includes charge current limit, end-of-life capacity, minimum dispatch capacity and engine-start readiness. The Built-in Test (BIT) indicator provides SOC data without the need for external test equipment, load banks or auxiliary power.

Ultra Lightweight and Powerful

True Blue Power is the leading manufacturer of lithium-ion products that are less than half the size or weight of existing batteries. The Gen5 lithium-ion batteries weigh up to 60% less and deliver more amp-hours per pound than any other aircraft battery. This translates into more power for engine starts, more energy for emergency and back-up power, ultra-fast recharge and much longer life.

“Weight directly effects aircraft performance and every pound costs something — range, speed, efficiency, useful load, wear-and-tear on the aircraft,” said Erik Ritzman, True Blue Power Director. “Aircraft featuring lithium-ion batteries are more electric, modern-design vehicles.”

Environmentally Friendly

The Gen5 lithium-ion batteries are engineered to address the challenges of heavy, lead-acid and NiCad batteries. They eliminate toxic metals and acid spills, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries can be recycled or disposed of in area landfills.

True Blue Power’s TB20/30/40 Gen5 lithium-ion batteries will be on display throughout the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo booth C3413, March 5 – 7, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, contact Erik Ritzman, True Blue Power Director, at 316-630-0101 or visit truebluepowerusa.com 

About True Blue Power

True Blue Power specializes in the custom design and manufacturing of power solutions for the global aerospace industry. This includes USB charging ports, inverters, voltage converters, 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 additional information, please visit truebluepowerusa.com.