Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Clears Lithium Battery for Gulfstream Jets
First installation set for end of September
An image of True Blue Power's lithium ion battery against a white background
© True Blue Power

An FAA-approved supplemental type certificate now clears operators of Gulfstream IV, G450, V, and G550 jets to swap out legacy main ship batteries for True Blue Power lithium-ion units, under a project led by 101 Aviation in partnership with True Blue and Aloft AeroArchitects.

According to 101 Aviation president Mike McClain, the STC covers two True Blue Gen5 TB50 lithium-ion batteries per aircraft, each rated at 50 amp-hours and weighing 44.3 pounds—50% lighter than the lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries they replace. Unlike those legacy batteries, the TB50 is maintained on condition, removing the need for scheduled deep cycling or capacity testing, and includes a built-in battery management system and heater for cold-weather use.