Airwolf Li-ion Battery STC Approved for AStars in Brazil
True Blue Power TB20 now available for the venerable Airbus helicopters
The True Blue Power TB20 battery is now approved in Brazil for installation in Airbus AStar helicopters. © Airwolf Aerospace

Airwolf Aerospace has received approval from Brazil’s ANAC for the installation of True Blue Power's TB20 lithium-ion battery in Airbus AS350/H125 and AS355 helicopters. 

The company also holds STCs for TB17 installations in the Airbus EC120 and EC130/H130, Bell 206A/B and 206L through L4, Enstrom 480B, MD 369/500, and Hiller UH-12E, with approvals from the FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and ANAC. The TB20 battery is also approved by the FAA and Transport Canada in the AS350/H125 and AS355.

The TSO-certified True Blue Power batteries are up to 63% lighter than comparable lead-acid or nicad batteries, adding more useful load to the helicopter. Engine starts are also much faster and cooler with the higher voltage from the lithium-ion batteries, which take just four to 10 minutes to replenish after start. 

Maintenance of the True Blue Power TB17 is required only every two years and is on-condition for the TB20, with average battery life of eight years. During cold weather, the battery’s automatic built-in heater warms up the battery before engine start. 

Airwolf is also developing additional STCs for helicopters and airplanes.