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The Twin Otter is well-suited for the TB44 lithium-ion battery, as it typically operates in a rugged, commercial environment. True Blue Power Photo
True Blue Power and Avmax have announced the receipt of a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Part 23 supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of the True Blue Power TB44 (46 amp-hour) lithium-ion aircraft battery on Viking Air DHC-6 aircraft, commonly known as the Twin Otter.
The two companies have applied for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the same Part 23 STC.
“The Twin Otter is the perfect platform for the TB44 lithium-ion battery. This aircraft typically operates in a rugged, commercial environment,” said Al Young, vice-president, Global Operations. “Among other benefits, the TB44 improves reliability and extends engine life with cooler engine starts. Our engineering division has worked closely with our counterparts at True Blue Power and we’re extremely pleased to receive this approval.”
Avmax, which operates charter and airline services worldwide from its headquarters in Calgary, Alta., previously received a Part 25 STC from the TCCA for the installation of the True Blue Power TB44 lithium-ion aircraft battery on the Bombardier DHC-8 (Dash 8) 100/200/300 series aircraft in September 2015.
“The Twin Otter STC is another notable achievement in a growing list of True Blue Power lithium-ion battery certifications,” said Rick Slater, Director, True Blue Power. “It provides significant value to Twin Otter operators.”
TB44 lithium-ion battery benefits on Viking Air DHC-6 (Twin Otter) aircraft:
• Reduces empty weight and increases useful load by 28 to 40 pounds when compared to NiCad and lead-acid;
• significantly reduces maintenance cost — two-year maintenance intervals; and
• delivers superior high temperature and cold weather performance -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F).
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 technical standard order (TSO) and European Aviation safety Agency (EASA) European technical standard order (TSO) 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.
The Avmax engineering division is a Transport Canada authorized design approval organization. In previous years the company issued more TCCA Dash 8 STCs than all other Canadian Dash 8 STC holders combined.
