Maintenance and Modifications
Aloft, 101 Aviation STCing Lithium Battery for GIV, GV
True Blue Power batteries weigh up to 60% less than conventional units
True Blue Power TB50 lithium-ion battery
The TB50 lithium-iron phosphate battery is being certified for the Gulfstream IV and V. © True Blue Power

Aloft AeroArchitects, 101 Aviation, and True Blue Power are developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) to replace the original nicad or lead-acid main-ship batteries in the Gulfstream IV, IV-SP, IV-X, V, and V-SP with TB50 lithium-ion batteries. After that STC is issued around June or July, plans are to develop a similar STC for the G650.

The TB50 is FAA technical standard order (TSO) approved and weighs 44 pounds. With two main-ship batteries, the TB50 installation weighs up to 60% less than nicad or lead-acid batteries. For example, a typical Gulfstream lead-acid battery weighs 96 pounds, or 192 pounds for both.