WICHITA — True Blue Power and Avmax have received a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Part 23 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the True Blue Power TB44 (46 amp hour) lithium-ion aircraft battery on Viking Air DHC-6 aircraft, commonly known as the Twin Otter.
The two companies have applied for FAA approval of the same Part 23 STC.
“The Twin Otter is the perfect platform for the TB44 lithium-ion battery. This aircraft typically operates in a rugged, commercial environment. Among other benefits, the TB44 improves reliability and extends engine life with cooler engine starts,” said Al Young, Vice President, Global Operations. “Our engineering division has worked closely with our counterparts at True Blue Power and we’re extremely pleased to receive this approval.”
TB44 lithium-ion battery benefits on Twin Otter Aircraft include:
- Reduces empty weight and increases useful load by 28 to 40 pounds when compared to NiCad and lead-acid
- Reduces maintenance cost — 2-year maintenance intervals
- Delivers high temperature and cold weather performance -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)