The FAA has approved a supplemental type certificate (STC) for 101 Aviation covering the installation of True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries on selected Gulfstream business jets. The approval enables operators to retrofit the aircraft with a modernised battery system, with the Gen5 TB50 offering an average service life of about eight years and reducing the need for individual certification work.
The STC covers Gulfstream GIV, G450, GV and G550 aircraft, according to product information from 101 Aviation. Each aircraft uses two 50-amp-hour TB50 batteries as main ship batteries for functions including auxiliary power-unit starting, avionics and backup power.
The 44.3-pound batteries are designed as replacements for legacy lead-acid and nickel-cadmium units. Their on-condition maintenance regime removes scheduled deep-cycle and capacity checks, while an integrated battery-management system monitors cell voltage, current and temperature. A built-in heater supports operation in low temperatures.
The upgrade was developed by 101 Aviation, True Blue Power and Aloft AeroArchitects. The first installation was scheduled for a Gulfstream G450, with the work expected to take as little as half a day. The batteries carry a four-year warranty, while the STC provides operators with an approved retrofit path for the covered aircraft.