True Blue Power Battery Powers Bell 505 Jet Ranger

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- True Blue Power today announced the company's revolutionary TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion engine-start battery will power the new Bell Helicopter 505 Jet Ranger X(TM).

"The advanced technology on the Bell 505--especially its innovative Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine--relies on a high-power, low-maintenance battery that is ideal for rugged environments. This includes extreme low and high-temperature conditions," said Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager. "Our lithium-ion battery delivers that and more."

The TB17 battery utilizes proprietary Nanophosphate(R) lithium-ion cell chemistry to provide unmatched power, energy, safety and life. Weighing less than 16 pounds, the TB17 offers 45 percent weight savings, increased payload, and 60 to 90 percent reduced maintenance cost when compared to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium alternatives. In addition to advanced chemistry, the intelligent battery system is engineered with several layers of protection and communicates real-time battery status to the pilot.

"This aircraft was designed with our customers in mind," said Lashan Bonaparte, Bell Helicopter, 505 Program Manager. "They continually provide us with invaluable insight about how we can improve our products and what they need for their missions so that we can, in-turn, deliver a product that offers the best combination of value, performance, safety and support that our customers have come to expect from Bell Helicopter."

Bell's latest addition to the short light single (SLS) category is the first in its class to feature a fully integrated glass flight deck built around the Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics Suite. With entry into service expected this year, the Bell 505 has a solid backlog of approximately 350 units and continues to attract attention from potential customers due to its advanced technology and sleek, modern design.

Operating within an AS 9100C certified facility, True Blue Power specializes in the custom design and manufacturing of next-generation power solutions for the global aviation industry. It is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certifications for three sophisticated lithium-ion battery products: the TB17 and TB44 (46 amp-hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries, and the TS835 Lithium-ion Emergency Power Supply. For more information about True Blue Power and advanced lithium-ion batteries, visit the True Blue Power booth #1800 throughout the HAI Heli-Expo, March 1 - 3 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, or contact Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager, at (316) 630-0101.

About True Blue Power

True Blue Power(R), 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 batteries. Select products feature proprietary, Nanophosphate(R) 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 www.truebluepowerusa.com.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com.