Robinson Helicopter Company has now added the TB17 Lithium-ion Battery to its R66 options.

TB17 from True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument, offers a lot of things such as:

  • substantial weight savings
  • improved start-up performance
  • and longer life

At 16 lbs, the TB17 is significantly lighter than the standard R66 that weighs 42 lbs. Its even lighter than the optional high capacity battery that weighs 52 lbs.

Lithium-ion battery chemistry has a higher charge voltage and offers a more constant discharge rate than lead offering a more reliable turbine to start. Internal battery heating improves functionality at cold temperatures as low as -40 ° C.

The battery life is 8 years with minimum maintenance required (visual inspection and capacity control) every 2 years. The TB17 battery has passed rigorous manufacturer and FAA testing to ensure safety. A cockpit indicator warns the pilot if a battery fault is detected. In case of failure, the battery is automatically offline. Integrated circuits prevent overcharging and / or overheating, and TB17’s advanced Nanophosphate® chemistry is far less susceptible to thermal leakage than many other lithium-ion batteries.

Now available on the new R66 – $ 6,900