This website uses cookies
More information
Marsh Brothers Aviation
Marsh Brothers Aviation
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.
Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

True Blue Power battery approved on H125s and AS350s
The TSO (and TCCA) certified TB17 lithium-ion battery provides significant operational and performance advantages to Airbus H125/AS350 owners and operators including reduced weight and increased useful load.
The TB17 brings a whole host of benefits to the H125 and AS350 platforms. Photo courtesy of Mel Romero.

Vertical Flight Solutions (VFS) by EuroTec in Eudora, Kansas, has received TCCA approval for the installation of the ultra lightweight True Blue Power TB17 lithium-ion main ship battery on Airbus H125/AS350 series helicopters. The battery integration requires no structural work and includes an NVIS-compatible cockpit annunciator. Additional approvals, including FAA and EASA, are expected to follow.

“Lithium-ion technology is the next generation of aircraft batteries,” says Adam Boyko, avionics manager for EuroTec. “As aircraft technology and avionics advance, we are pleased to offer a main ship battery solution that follows suit. The popular Airbus H125/AS350 helicopter was the next logical step to integrate with our proven design.”

The TSO-certified TB17 lithium-ion battery provides significant operational and performance advantages to Airbus H125/AS350 owners and operators including reduced weight and increased useful load: 52% lighter than nickel-cadmium (NiCad) alternatives and 62% lighter than lead-acid alternatives; faster, cooler engine starts: Higher nominal output voltage results in more reliable and efficient turbine starts; significantly reduced maintenance and operational costs: eight-year (average) useful battery life, simplified, two-year maintenance intervals and reduced replacement intervals; superior high temperature and cold weather performance; and intelligent battery status communication to the cockpit

“EuroTec customers value our batteries ease of installation, proven safety, state-of-the-art monitoring system and their ability to eliminate cold weather problems,” adds Erik Ritzman, director of True Blue Power. “EuroTec continues to build a growing list of True Blue Power battery upgrade STC kits. In addition to the Airbus H125/AS350 and H130/EC130, STCs for the Airbus H135, Leonardo 109 and Bell 407 series helicopters are in development.”

Other News
 
True Blue surges to deliver new batteries
March 24, 2024
The TS28 battery reduces costs for aircraft operators by delivering quality, longer life and easy replacement, while the TB50 delivers more amp-hours per pound than lead-acid and NiCad alternatives.
Bristow enhances Norway S-92 capabilities
March 2, 2024
Nova Systems secures support for mission systems upgrades
March 1, 2024
Astronautics and SkyTrac will provide secure transmission of critical mission data and satcom solutions for Nova’s SAR mission system and for a series of European Coast Guard programmes.
Enstrom adds Airwolf lithium-ion battery as 480B option
February 28, 2024
480B pilots can now expect faster, cooler engine starts with a higher voltage for powerful starts. An automatic, built-in battery heater can keep them flying, even in bitterly cold weather.