True Blue Power Awarded Contract to Support Boeing’s MQ-25 Unmanned Tanker for the U.S. Navy
June 09, 2021
Contract for True Blue Power lithium-ion aircraft batteries supports the U.S. Navy’s first unmanned aerial refueling program
WICHITA, Kan. — True Blue Power has been awarded a contract by The Boeing Company to supply TB30 and TB40 Gen5 lithium-ion aircraft batteries for the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling program.
“Our Gen5 product line features the most versatile batteries available,” said Matthew Harrah, Senior Vice President of Technology and Products. “The proprietary NanoPhosphate® lithium-ion technology we utilize provides a high power density to weight ratio, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice mission payload or performance. That’s a vital benefit for any program—but is especially important to unmanned aircraft.”
The TB30 and TB40 lithium-ion batteries are less than half the size and weight of existing batteries and offer more amp hours per pound than any other aircraft battery. This superior design and engineering results in True Blue Power batteries that deliver more power for engine starts, more energy for emergency and backup power, ultra-fast recharge and four times longer useful life.
Gen5 batteries offer a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Operational advantages include on-condition maintenance, which eliminates repetitive inspections and costly operational delays. True Blue Power Gen5 batteries provide constant and reliable monitoring and protection, while communicating real time state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) data to operators.
The MQ-25 is the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is designed to provide a much-needed refueling capability. The contract supports Boeing’s engineering and manufacturing development program to provide MQ-25 aircraft to the U.S. Navy.
“The MQ-25 program is vital because it will help the U.S. Navy extend the range of the carrier air wing, and Boeing and our industry team is all-in on delivering this capability,” said Dave Bujold, Boeing’s MQ-25 program director. “The work we’re doing is also foundational for the future of Boeing – where we’re building autonomous systems from seabed to space.”
For more information about Gen5 lithium-ion batteries, contact Erik Ritzman, Vice President of OEM Sales and Support at 316-630-0101 or visit truebluepowerusa.com.
