Battery solutions firm Saft will provide two ULM batteries per aircraft for AVIC MA700 advanced turboprop regional aircraft.
The plane is considered an important commercial aircraft projects in the world and is expected to embark on its maiden flight in 2020.
The ULM batteries start the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) as well as emergency backup for critical systems. The ULM battery technology was selected as it offers the ideal combination of high performance, low weight and ultra-low maintenance requirements that enable significant reductions in the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the battery.
Saft’s proven record of delivering ULM batteries to meet manufacturing and design schedules was thought to be a decisive factor in AVIC’s decision to award the contract ahead of the MA700’s maiden flight.
Chuck Schofield, Saft’s aviation general manager, said: “Saft’s reliable and low maintenance ULM battery will help to support AVIC’s ambition to develop the MA700 as the world’s most advanced medium and short-range turboprop regional aircraft. The contract with AVIC builds on our track record of success as a supplier to China’s growing aviation sector."