101 Aviation Nears STC Approval for Lithium Battery Upgrade on Gulfstream and Bombardier Business and Regional Jets

True Blue Power, a manufacturer of lithium-ion aircraft batteries, and 101 Aviation, a Texas-based company specializing in supplemental type certificate (STC) development, announce the True Blue Power Gen5 TB50 (50 amp-hour) and TB20 (20 amp-hour) lithium-ion batteries will be available for Gulfstream and Bombardier aircraft beginning Q1 2026.

Additional aircraft certifications are to follow, with models, battery type and expected STC dates as noted below:

• Gulfstream GIV / G450 / GV / G550 — TB50 (50 amp-hour) — Q1 2026
• Bombardier Challenger 601 / 604 / 605 / 650 — TB50 (50 amp-hour) and TB20 (20 amp-hour) — Q1 2026
• Bombardier CRJ Series — TB50 (50 amp-hour) and TB20 (20 amp-hour) — Q1 2026
• Gulfstream G650 / 650ER — TB50 (50 amp-hour) — Q2 2026
• Bombardier Global Express Series — TB50 (50 amp-hour) — Q2 2026

*Each aircraft will be equipped with (2) True Blue Power Gen5 lithium-ion aircraft batteries.

“True Blue Power’s advanced lithium-ion battery technology has a perfect safety record, with more than 12 million flight hours on FAA Part 23, 25 and 27 aircraft,” says Michael McClain, president of 101 Aviation. “These STCs provide the opportunity for business-jet operators to maximize aircraft availability, reliability and income-earning potential. Built to last, we’re backing our STC kit with an extended 4-year warranty.”

True Blue Power Gen5 batteries require zero maintenance, saving Gulfstream and Bombardier owners and operators an estimated average battery service cost of $4,000+ per year and eliminating lost time in service. They feature a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) that provides constant monitoring, protection and capacity data, including real-time state of charge and state of heath, and offer an average useful life of 8 years — four times longer than competing batteries.

True Blue Power Gen5 lithium-ion batteries are nearly half the weight of lead-acid and NiCad alternatives. They deliver more amp-hours per pound than competing units and provide more power for cooler and faster starts, more energy for emergency and back-up power, and ultra-fast recharge. An automatic, built-in heater ensures superior performance in extreme temperatures, from -40°C to +70°C.

“The TB50 is a same-size replacement for standard 44 amp-hour batteries, while weighing 50% less,” adds McClain. “This provides a direct path to the STC upgrade and delivers all the benefits of advanced lithium-ion technology.”

True Blue Power Gen5 batteries are certified to TSO-C179b, RTCA DO-311A, RTCA DO-160G and RTCA DO-178C Design Assurance Level A.

Batteries will be on display and 101 Aviation representatives will be available for questions at True Blue Power Booth #3436 throughout the NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, Oct. 14-16, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information about 101 Aviation’s STC upgrades, contact Michael McClain, president of 101 Aviation, at 832-205-3690, or visit 101aviation.aero.

For details about True Blue Power’s lithium-ion aircraft batteries and electrical power systems, contact Van Winter, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for True Blue Power, at 316-630-0101, or visit truebluepower.com.