EuroTec, October 07, 2020 - Millgrove, Ontario - Helicopter operators flying the popular Airbus H125/AS350 series rotorcraft now have further access to the newest technology in main battery solutions.
Vertical Flight Solutions (VFS) by EuroTec has received Transport Canada approval for its supplemental type design #SH18-12 incorporating the True Blue Power TB17 [17 amp-hour] advanced lithium-ion battery into Airbus H125/AS350 series helicopters.
Federal Aviation Administration approval is expected shortly. European Aviation Safety Agency and other approvals for the battery kit will eventually follow, further expanding access to this exciting technology.
Key features of this innovative integration and power solution include ultra-light weight, straightforward install including NVIS-compatible cockpit switch/annunciator, less maintenance and overall reduced life-cycle operating costs compared with traditional lead acid and Ni-Cad batteries.
“The clean, installer-friendly design allows for ease of installation without the need to accomplish any major structural work to the airframe. The batteries are lighter, more powerful and feature ‘smart pack technology,’ which senses voltage, current, temperature and incorporates a state-of-the-art health monitoring system,” said Aaron Kuehl, director of engineering at VFS.
A simplified two-year maintenance regimen is a major advantage in comparison to the typical annual inspections of the original equipment manufacturer battery.
“Lithium-ion technology is the next generation of aircraft batteries,” said Adam Boyko, EuroTec’s avionics manager. “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.”
“Thousands of True-Blue Power lithium-ion batteries have been delivered to customers around the globe,” said Erik Ritzman, director of True-Blue Power. “Proprietary Nanophosphate lithium-ion cell chemistry delivers a superior, high-performance product that is significantly smaller and lighter than competing batteries.”
True Blue Power batteries also provide increased power during start sequences, with higher nominal output voltage, resulting in consistent, more reliable turbine starts. Integrated heating technology enhances cold weather starting reliability, allowing for cold weather operations down to -40°C (-40°F); press the cockpit switch during pre-flight and the battery readies itself for operation.
“EuroTec Vertical Flight Solutions, LLC and EuroTec Canada, Ltd., will distribute and support the design through a license agreement with VFS, Ltd,” said Chad Decker, president of VFS.
“We have been extremely pleased with the relationship and their customer service, adds Decker. “EuroTec is also the main supplier for the H130/EC130 main ship battery kit.” VFS is currently in discussion with other distribution companies and expects to announce new agreements very soon.
Vertical Flight Solutions is also in the final design phase of integrating high-capacity True Blue Power Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries in the Airbus H135, said EuroTec, and other approvals for the Leonardo 109 and Bell 407 series helicopters are soon to follow.
Vertical Flight Solutions (VFS) by EuroTec has received Transport Canada approval for its supplemental type design #SH18-12 incorporating the True Blue Power TB17 [17 amp-hour] advanced lithium-ion battery into Airbus H125/AS350 series helicopters.
Federal Aviation Administration approval is expected shortly. European Aviation Safety Agency and other approvals for the battery kit will eventually follow, further expanding access to this exciting technology.
Key features of this innovative integration and power solution include ultra-light weight, straightforward install including NVIS-compatible cockpit switch/annunciator, less maintenance and overall reduced life-cycle operating costs compared with traditional lead acid and Ni-Cad batteries.
“The clean, installer-friendly design allows for ease of installation without the need to accomplish any major structural work to the airframe. The batteries are lighter, more powerful and feature ‘smart pack technology,’ which senses voltage, current, temperature and incorporates a state-of-the-art health monitoring system,” said Aaron Kuehl, director of engineering at VFS.
A simplified two-year maintenance regimen is a major advantage in comparison to the typical annual inspections of the original equipment manufacturer battery.
“Lithium-ion technology is the next generation of aircraft batteries,” said Adam Boyko, EuroTec’s avionics manager. “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.”
“Thousands of True-Blue Power lithium-ion batteries have been delivered to customers around the globe,” said Erik Ritzman, director of True-Blue Power. “Proprietary Nanophosphate lithium-ion cell chemistry delivers a superior, high-performance product that is significantly smaller and lighter than competing batteries.”
True Blue Power batteries also provide increased power during start sequences, with higher nominal output voltage, resulting in consistent, more reliable turbine starts. Integrated heating technology enhances cold weather starting reliability, allowing for cold weather operations down to -40°C (-40°F); press the cockpit switch during pre-flight and the battery readies itself for operation.
“EuroTec Vertical Flight Solutions, LLC and EuroTec Canada, Ltd., will distribute and support the design through a license agreement with VFS, Ltd,” said Chad Decker, president of VFS.
“We have been extremely pleased with the relationship and their customer service, adds Decker. “EuroTec is also the main supplier for the H130/EC130 main ship battery kit.” VFS is currently in discussion with other distribution companies and expects to announce new agreements very soon.
Vertical Flight Solutions is also in the final design phase of integrating high-capacity True Blue Power Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries in the Airbus H135, said EuroTec, and other approvals for the Leonardo 109 and Bell 407 series helicopters are soon to follow.
See also |
EuroTec VFS State of Kansas True Blue Power State of Kansas Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil
Airbus AS350
Helicopters Battery Lithium-Ion Batteries for H125/AS350
