WICHITA, Kan. — As the aviation community celebrated Burt Rutan and his unequalled contributions to the aerospace industry at EAA AirVenture 2015 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, True Blue Power® announced the company’s custom-integrated, lithium-ion battery modules—developed in partnership with the electromechanical product development specialists at Regan Designs—will power Rutan’s most recent project: the SkiGull.
The SkiGull is a next-generation seaplane developed by Rutan and Regan Designs. The aircraft is designed to land on a variety of surfaces (water, snow, and unimproved land), allowing access to remote areas like never before. True Blue Power lithium-ion battery modules power the aircraft’s unique auxiliary, electrical propulsion system, which is utilized for docking/beaching in winds, engine-out safety and takeoff thrust boost.
“SkiGull’s incredibly sophisticated and efficient design dictates the need for a reliable, safe, lightweight, and compact power source. We are pleased to deliver just that,” said Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager.
True Blue Power lithium-ion solutions utilize a proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry that offers superior energy density, delivering 3 times the energy per kilogram when compared to lead-acid or nickel-cadmium (NiCad) alternatives. True Blue Power batteries offer 40 – 45 percent weight savings and are engineered to provide an overall lower cost of ownership with 50 – 90 percent less scheduled maintenance cost. This is the result of increased durability, 2-year maintenance intervals, efficient engine starts and gaining 2 – 3 times longer useful battery life.
“Burt is one of aviation’s most respected innovators. We salute his contributions and have a long history that includes Voyager, StarShip, GlobalFlyer, VariEze, BiPod, SpaceShipOne and SpaceShipTwo. SkiGull is yet another great endeavor that we are proud to be a part of,” noted Todd Winter, True Blue Power President and Chief Executive Officer.
To learn more about True Blue Power and lithium-ion power solutions, contact Rick Slater, True Blue Power Division Manager, at 316-630-0101.