Representatives of Gill Batteries, a division of Teledyne Technologies, have announced that the company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) parts manufacturer approval (PMA) to install its new-generation 7407-28 sealed lead acid battery on all models of the Bell 407 helicopter.
In addition, the company also announced that Bell Helicopter has selected the new battery as original equipment aboard its new 407 GXP.
“This is the newest member of our advanced 7000 series/LT sealed lead acid battery for helicopters,” said Gill Batteries’ general manager, Armando Chacon. “Now that we have the FAA STC [supplemental type certificate] and PMA we are very excited to be able to offer its benefits to the entire global fleet of Bell 407-series helicopters.”
Chacon explained that the Gill 7407-28 sealed lead acid battery provides a number of advantages over a NiCad battery, including the fact that it does not require the hazardous materials restrictions or any special maintenance processes.
Along with these advantages, the higher performance Gill 7000 series/LT provides a number of benefits compared to all competitive batteries, including:
- • More initial startup power;
- • More residual power after start up;
- • Recharge rates up to 50 percent faster;
- • Up to 18 months or 1,800 hours before requiring an in-shop recharging and capacity check; and
- • Lower cost than competitive batteries.
“Bell 407 series helicopters are extremely reliable and hard-working aircraft,” Chacon said. “We are very proud to be able to help owner/operator maximize the value of their helicopters by equipping them with a battery that delivers equally exceptional performance.”
“With the FAA STC and PMA in hand on the 7407-28 battery, we are well on our way to our goal of having the same approvals for other leading helicopter models, including those from Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo (AgustaWestland models) and Robinson Helicopter,” he said. “Our plan is to continue to add FAA STCs and PMA approvals for our 7000 series/LT sealed lead acid batteries for these rotorcraft throughout this year.”
