Aerolithium Batteries
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How long will these lithium batteries last compared to lead acid?
5 to 10 years, at least double a lead acid battery.
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I’ve heard old stories about lithium catching on fire??
Not this type. These are the new LiFePO4 type, iron phosphate. No chance of that happening. Very safe, much safer than gasoline.
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What is the warranty?
2 years, prorated (drained-dead battery not covered). Lifetime customer service.
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What materials do you use in your construction?
Copper for cell connections and terminal post leads.
Sizing & Compatibility
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What about CCA and PCA ratings?
Cranking Amps (CA) and Peak Cranking Amps (PCA) are generally interchangeable when rating batteries. They are a measure of the battery’s output at standard temperatures, i.e., above freezing. CA indicates the amperage delivered at 32° F for 30 seconds while maintaining a minimum of 7.2V (for a 12V battery).
CCA, on the other hand, is specific to lead-acid batteries. It measures the same thing at 0° F, as colder weather reduces their output significantly.
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I have fuel injection / electronic ignition….
Yes, you NEED a backup battery. Lithium is perfect for that.
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My aircraft is certified. What about that?
These Lithium aircraft batteries are not certified but could be used as a back up emergency starting battery for certified aircraft.
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How can such a small battery run my lights, etc.?
It doesn’t, the alternator provides the power for those.
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What size battery does my homebuilt, helicopter, experimental, LSA need?
That depends on the current needed by the starter when cranking the engine.
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I also have a jetski, ATV, yacht, motorcycle…
All can benefit from a Lithium battery replacement. Contact us to discuss.
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Mount in any position?
Yep, upside down is a good one; your friends will be impressed! Zip ties work best.
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How do I estimate size battery I need?
Different starters pull a range of current to start the engine on hot days and cold days. This will determine the Ah size pack you need. Ah size determines the price. If you have a clamp-on ammeter, simply put it around a battery cable and turn the engine over; you will read the actual amps required. most engines are known now.
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Different shapes? I’ve never heard of that before.
Yep, flat and wide, tall and thin, etc…custom order available.
The key is that your lithium battery fit within the space available. Since a lithium battery will be much smaller than a comparable lead-acid battery, consider the latter to be the max dimensions you are working with for sizing a lithium battery.
Care & Usage
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My cables are not long enough to reach a small battery…
Put shims inside the battery box to raise the battery up.
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Can the battery get too hot?
Excess heat will degrade any batteries performance as well as freezing temp’s. A hot engine compartment is actually the exact wrong place to put a battery. However, these batteries are enclosed in silicone shrink wrap or in an PC case for protection.
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What if I accidentally drained the battery?
It depends on how low it got and for how long…could be recoverable with a Lithium charger. Call us.
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Do I need a BMS / circuitry to protect the battery from undervoltage events?
No, BMS’ cannot handle the massive current surge in starting. 2nd, no low voltage cutoff (to save battery) is allowed due to emergency conditions, where you WANT the battery to drain down.
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Waterproof?
Yes.
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Can I bring the battery inside in freezing temperatures?
Yes, while Lithium has a working temperature range from -20° to +160° F. You can order the optional Quick Disconnect feature to simply unsnap the battery during freezing conditions and bring it inside to stay warm. IF you forget to bring inside, turn on landing lites for 10 seconds to get the electrons flowing.
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Do I need an external lithium balancing charger?
Yes, although the alternator will charge it just like the lead batt. at 14.4, no trickle charging required, and Lithium batteries don’t lose their charge by sitting unused like lead does. We now recommend checking cell balance every 40 flight hours for safety.
The Competition
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I’ve seen other lithium batteries for 1/2 the price… why not get those?
1st, they are made for powersports use; motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. and their warranty does NOT apply to aircraft use. neither do they authorize resellers to sell them for aviation uses. (there is one that puts a different sticker on the orange case.) 2nd, the internal connections are smaller wire/copper braid made for starting small engines. Lastly, the CA and AH #’s given are totally false.
| PISTON | Battery needed |
| HKS 700E – 60Hpwr – 125amps | 225A (4.5 Ah unit) |
| Rotax 582 – 65 Hp – 137A | 225A (4.5 Ah unit) |
| Rotax 503 – 52 Hp – 153A | 225A (4.5 Ah unit) |
| Rotax 912 & above – 240A | 400A (8 Ah unit) |
| Hirth 2704 – 55 Hp – 167A | 225A (4.5 Ah unit) |
| Cont. O-190 – 75Hp – 175A | 360A |
| Lyc. I O – 360-200HP – 350A | 440A |
| Lyc. I O 540, Cont. 470 / 550 | 800A |
| Cont. 550 – 24V | 400A (8 Ah unit) |
| V W engine | 400A (8 Ah unit) |
| TURBINE | Battery needed |
| Solar T-62t – 32 | 550A |
| std T-62t | 440A |
| Allison / RR M250 | 440A |
| PT6 all models | 700+A |