Boeing had heartaches getting the Dreamliner's batteries safe and I suggest a little home town help from the FAA.
Now it is Airbus's turn. They have got a home town decision to approve their A 350 in Europe but the Yanks are not so accommodating.
Fire hazard from batteries will be an ever present and increasing problem as new technology packs energy more densely into the batteries. Any short will cause intense heat.
Airbus, FAA Spar Over Lithium Batteries
European regulators approve A350’s batteries, but fight continues with U.S. agency over safeguards, testing
Intended to provide backup power for the newest A350 jetliners, lithium batteries are more powerful, lighter and require less maintenance. Above, an A350 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow earlier this month. Photo: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg News
By
Andy Pasztor
July 27, 2016 5:33 a.m. ET 1 COMMENTS
European jet maker Airbus Group SE is locked in a dispute with U.S. regulators over the safety of lithium-ion batteries installed on its latest model, according to people familiar with the details.
Escalating arguments about the extent of safeguards and testing for such rechargeable batteries—reminiscent of Boeing Co. ’s difficulties with similar technology years ago—come after European regulators already have approved the Airbus systems based on less-stringent requirements.
Intended to provide backup power for the newest A350 jetliners, lithium batteries are more powerful, lighter, require less maintenance and last slightly longer than traditional nickel-cadmium batteries used on other models. But experts say they also are more volatile and without special safety features, more prone to experience short-circuits, overheat and potentially emit smoke or fire.
A green light from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has been pending for months, with Airbus officials expressing optimism last fall that a favorable decision was imminent. But according to people familiar with the process, continuing disagreements pitting the manufacturer against FAA technical experts have created a regulatory logjam and delayed approval.
Airbus said “we are working with the FAA on certifying a battery solution,” but declined to elaborate.
With the agency continuing to evaluate the matter and no clear timeline for a final decision, the two sides can’t seem to agree on precisely what issues are blocking progress.
Intended to provide backup power for the newest A350 jetliners, lithium batteries are more powerful, lighter and require less maintenance. Above, an A350 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow earlier this month. Photo: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg News
