True Blue Power has received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of its Gen5 TB40 lithium-ion battery on all Pilatus PC-12 models. According to the company, the TB40 upgrade provides pilots with the ability to attempt multiple, repetitive starts while helping to prevent hot starts, costly engine repairs, or extended downtime.
The STC was developed by Finnoff Aviation Products and includes modifications for both single and dual main battery systems on early model PC-12s through the latest PC-12 NGX. Key benefits of the installation include weight savings of 60 percent compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, on-condition maintenance, and an extended eight-year battery life expectancy. With a capacity of 40 amp-hours at 26.4 volts of direct current, the TB40 battery can easily start PT6A-67B/P engines in all climates, from -40 degrees C to 70 degrees C (-40 degrees F to 158 degrees F).
