PRESS RELEASE | Blackhawk Modifications and True Blue Power Obtain FAA Approval for Engine/Battery Pairing

True Blue Power TB44 Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery

WACO, TX – April 11^th, 2017 – Blackhawk Modifications, Inc. is proud to announce that the company has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) which approves the installation of the True Blue Power TB44 (46 amp-hour) lithium-ion battery on Blackhawk-powered Cessna Caravan 208/208B models.

The TB44 offers the latest in lithium-ion chemistry, which gives Blackhawk operators an unmatched advantage in power, safety, life, and energy. Weighing just 51.7 pounds, 40% lighter than standard lead-acid batteries, the True Blue Power TB44 delivers 26.4 VDC during the entire engine start sequence compared to only 24 VDC provided by lead-acid batteries, which declines as the engine cranks. The state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology allows for engine starts that are up to 12 seconds faster and 60°F to 80°F cooler than lead-acid batteries, which helps to extend the life of the engine and reduce overall maintenance costs.

Maintenance for the TB44 is only required every two years, and consists of a simple in-field capacity check. With the recommended maintenance schedule, the battery has an average useful life of eight years – more than double lead-acid and NiCad alternatives. The robust TB44 battery also monitors its own health and contains a built-in heater for low temperature operations, eliminating the need to store the battery indoors.

“This new True Blue Power battery has a lot of similarities to our popular New Engine Exchange Program with Pratt & Whitney,” said Jim Allmon, President and CEO of Blackhawk Modifications. “We have found that turboprop operators are willing to invest in new technologies that increase aircraft utility and performance while lowering operating costs and risk. We are thrilled to align this new battery with our XP Engine⁺ Upgrades and are confident that new aftermarket innovations will continue to revitalize legacy aircraft and reshape the future of the turboprop fleet.”

The TB44 delivers significant value to Caravan operators. The highly efficient, light-weight battery reduces Caravan fuel consumption and improves maintenance costs up to $2,000 per year per aircraft when compared to lead-acid batteries. Its eco-friendly Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry provides cooler engine starts – resulting in lower engine hot section and overhaul expense – as well as reduced carbon emissions and easy disposal.

Blackhawk is now taking orders for Caravan operators currently equipped with a Blackhawk Engine⁺ Upgrade, and will offer the battery pairing as an option to future upgrade customers. Contact Blackhawk for pricing and availability.

###

About Blackhawk Modifications, Inc.
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, is a recognized aviation leader in providing engine performance solutions to the turboprop fleet. The company has the largest installed fleet of STC twin and single-engine turboprop upgrades, making Blackhawk the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines in the world. A worldwide network of approved dealers and service support centers complements Blackhawk’s U.S. facilities. For more information, visit www.blackhawk.aero.

About True Blue Power®
True Blue Power®, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the aviation industry, including USB charging ports, inverters, converters, emergency power supplies, and advanced lithium-ion aircraft batteries. Select products feature proprietary, Nanophosphate® Lithium-ion battery technology, which offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance — this translates into smaller, lighter products that are less than half the size and weight of existing solutions. For additional information, please visit truebluepowerusa.com.

About Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics)
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures, overhauls and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions. Operating within an AS9100C certified facility. Mid-Continent serves 57 countries and supports business and commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), defense, and special missions markets. The company manufactures more than 20,000 units per year and processes more than 15,000 units in its overhaul, exchange and repair operation. For additional information, visit mcico.com.

Contact:
Lindsay Allmon
Marketing Coordinator
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc.
7601 Karl May Dr.
Waco, TX 76708
+1 (254) 424-3932
lindsay.allmon@blackhawk.aero

Click here for the TB44 image in high resolution.
Click here for a high-resolution Blackhawk Modifications logo.
Click here for a high-resolution True Blue Power logo.