Eurocopter has reduced the take-off weight of its EC135 and EC145 helicopters by switching to Saft Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM) rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries. They are used for engine starting and electrical systems back-up and the manufacturer claims that this enables the helicopters to fly farther and longer as well as requiring less maintenance.

Saft says that its ULM batteries are purpose-designed for aviation applications, claiming that they can double the mean time between maintenance and check up operations. The key to the battery is its plastic bonded negative electrode which reduces battery water consumption by reducing the current drawn during overcharge.

Eurocopter’s Joachim Behles said: “We tested the Saft batteries intensively, prior to certification. They weigh less, and give us the power performance that our helicopters require. Additionally, they are low maintenance, so our customers will have lower operating expenses.”