Lithium Ion Batteries are coming to your aircraft

[pelmet]

"Meanwhile, also in November, R1 Airlines, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, became the first commercial operator to utilize an aircraft equipped with True Blue lithium-ion main aircraft batteries in revenue service. The on-demand charter service installed the battery on a Bombardier Dash 8-100 aircraft after the battery manufacturer and the airline’s parent company received a Part 25 STC from Transport Canada for installation of the TB44 lithium-ion battery on Bombardier DHC-8 100/200/300 series aircraft. The companies have applied for FAA bilateral acceptance of the same STC for use on U.S.-based aircraft."

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... _sect=gear

[cgzro]

Hope they continue to do this for GA. The weight savings are profound. There are experimental batteries that can replace something like a Concord 25XC and nearly 20lbs lighter. Thats nothing to sneeze at, especially in a 1000b plane.

[Taiser]

Got one in my amateur built. An "EarthX" battery. About two lbs and the size of can of tobacco. LOVE it and no issues at all. Spins my lycoming like a top! About time GA starts getting these.

[cgzro]

20lbs is 2% of my empty weight. That would make a noticible difference for aerobatics although I think CG would be an issue, would need to move it further aft.

I guess fear would be fires but if they are putting them in commercial a/c i guess they have that licked.

[fish4life]

The 787 had lithium from the start I believe

[ogc]

The 787 had lithium from the start I believe

They did, and the entire fleet was grounded because the batteries like to get a little toasty. They are still having issues with them apparently.

L-ion is the way to go though. More power less weight.

[PilotDAR]

although I think CG would be an issue, would need to move it further aft.

Hmmm, you might have to add some heavy wire to reach....

[Taiser]

The 787 had lithium from the start I believe

They did, and the entire fleet was grounded because the batteries like to get a little toasty. They are still having issues with them apparently.

L-ion is the way to go though. More power less weight.

The newer versions, at least from the company I bought from, are Lithium Iron based. They do NOT spontaneously catch fire like the older Lipos do!

Other MAJOR Lithium advantages... Just to name a few...

-80% lighter than a standard battery
-4000 charge cycle, average 8 - 10 year life cycle vs 350 charge cycles for a standard battery
-No lead or acid so no corrosion, leaks or freezing issues
-Will remain nearly fully charged for years just sitting
-Waterproof and shockproof