Ravn Alaska Upgrades DHC-8 Fleet with True Blue Power® High-Performance, Lithium-ion Batteries
October 15, 2018
ORLANDO, Fla. — True Blue Power, a globally recognized manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, today 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 a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (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 lithium-ion battery utilizes proprietary NanoPhosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry. This smart technology 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 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 Technical Standard Order (TSO), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) European Technical Standard Order (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 is a dependable, high-power, low-maintenance battery perfect for rugged environments,” said Erik Ritzman, Director of True Blue Power. “With its superior cold weather performance, and exceptional operational characteristics, the TB44 is a significant upgrade from heavy, maintenance-intensive NiCad batteries.”
The TB44 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery will be on display in the True Blue Power booth #2265 throughout the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition, October 16 – 18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information about True Blue Power, contact Erik Ritzman, Director of True Blue Power, at 316-630-0101 or visit truebluepowerusa.com.
