The FAA has approved 101 Aviation’s supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of the True Blue Power TB50 lithium-ion battery in Gulfstream IV, G450, GV, and G550 models. True Blue Power, 101 Aviation, and Aloft AeroArchitects partnered on developing the STC.
At 44.3 pounds, the 50-amp TB50 battery weighs 51.7 pounds less than a NiCad and 41.7 pounds less than a lead-acid battery. Maintenance of the TB50 is also much simpler, with no scheduled checks during its average eight-year life, while NiCad and lead-acid batteries require deep cycling and regular capacity checks, according to True Blue Power. Nicad and lead-acid batteries also have a shorter lifespan.
The TB50 has a battery management system to monitor cell voltage, current, and temperature. During cold-weather operations, a built-in heater warms the battery before engine start, eliminating the need to remove the battery in freezing temperatures.
STCs from 101 Aviation for main-ship True Blue Power batteries are also available for Bombardier Challengers and Globals, as well as Embraer models.
“Our objective is to deliver the simplest battery upgrade possible while providing Gulfstream IV, G450, GV, and G550 operators with a solution that eliminates maintenance, reduces weight, and offers a service life that far exceeds what they are accustomed to,” said 101 Aviation president Mike McClain. “The first Gulfstream TB50 battery installation is scheduled for the end of this month, and the upgrade can be completed in as little as half a day. This delivers significant advancements in reliability, performance, and life cycle cost with minimal downtime.”
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