According to EarthX, lithium-ion batteries are significantly lighter than traditional lead acid batteries.

“If you’re replacing the Concorde RG24-11 lead acid battery, you go from a 26.5-pound battery to a 7.2-pound battery—that is 19.3 pounds of instant weight reduction,” EarthX said in a statement. “That gives you a few more pounds of useful load.”

In addition, the life span of the EarthX battery is twice that of a lead acid battery. EarthX also points out that it cannot “freeze, boil over, lose electrolyte, corrode, or sulfate.”

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For pilots who have ever been surprised by a dead battery, the EarthX has a battery management system (BMS) that communicates directly to the pilot if there is anything outside of normal operation through either a flashing or solid LED light.

“This provides useful information not only for the pilot, but also your mechanic, to make the best-informed decisions,” EarthX said.

Once the EarthX is installed, a new weight and balance for the aircraft needs to be done, as is standard procedure when an STC is applied. EarthX does the STC paperwork for the customer, free of charge.

The 24V TSO-certified battery is available for $999, and the 12V TSO-certified battery for $699.

The initial kit for installation ranges from $195-$295, depending on the airframe.

More information can be found here. 

The post EarthX Aircraft Batteries Earn STC Approval appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to EarthX, the new generation EarthX LiFePO4 lithium battery is more than 23 pounds lighter than an equivalent lead acid battery and boasts increased cranking power and a lifespan of more than six years. The battery can also be recharged in minutes rather than hours. The battery includes the STC and installation kit with a battery management system that can alert to anything outside the normal range.

“At EarthX, innovation is the core of our mission. We exemplify this commitment in the aviation industry by being the first company in the world to offer an FAA TSO-approved 12V lithium battery,” Kathy Nicoson, EarthX sales director, said in a statement. “We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and are excited for a growing number of owners to benefit from all of the advanced features and capabilities the EarthX LiFePO4 replacement battery will bring to their aircraft.”

The STC can be utilized by the following single-engine aircraft:

Textron/Cessna

• 120/140
• 150, 150A, B, and C
• P172D
• 175, 175A, B, and C
• 177, 177A, B, and 177RG
• 180, 180A through K
• 182, 182A through Q
• 185, 185A through F, and A185E

Piper

• PA-28-140, 150, 151, 160, 161, 180, 181
• PA-28-201T
• PA-28-235, and -236
• PA-28R-180, -200, -201, and -201T
• PA-28RT-201 and -201T
• PA-28S-160, -180
• PA-12, -18, -20, -22, -24, and -32

Mooney

• M20E, F, J, and K

Aviat

• A-1

The 12-volt LiFePO4 battery and STC retail for $699. The cost of the installation kit varies depending on the model of aircraft.

The post EarthX Obtains STC for 12-Volt Lithium Battery Install appeared first on FLYING Magazine.