Varley Red Top & Varley Lithium Batteries at the LAA Rally Sywell with Wessex Light Aircraft.

The LAA Rally at Sywell proved to be an excellent opportunity to introduce to the light aircraft and microlight community Wessex Light Aircraft as a distributor for the Varley Red Top and Varley Lithium ranges of 12V batteries. The Varley Red Top 8, 15 and 20 sealed lead acid versions have been used in light aircraft and microlights for many years, but with the increasing demand for lighter weight smaller batteries DMS technologies has introduced a range of lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Before introducing the new batteries to the aviation market we carried out tests with a range of motorsport users, on both 4 and 2 wheels. Furthermore, technical staff from both the LAA and the BMAA visited DMS technologies’ premises in Romsey, Hampshire, where they gained first-hand knowledge of the company’s design and manufacturing capabilities. This also gave the LAA and BMAA engineers the opportunity to discuss technical aspects of the new batteries. The new lithium batteries, all nominal 12V, are available in 3 capacities 2.4Ah (Li-3), 5.5Ah (Li-5) and 16.1Ah (Li-16) and weigh 0.5kg, 1.1kg and 3.2kg respectively. The Li-5 is proving to be the most popular model capable of starting engines up to 180hp and ideal for engines such as the D-Motor and Rotax 912”. Designed originally with motorsport in mind great attention was paid to minimising the effect of shock and vibration as well as ensuring the optimal power transfer to the terminals. The LiFePO₄ is also an intrinsically safer chemistry with improved safety compared to other lithium options. To find out more about the range of Varley Red Top (sealed lead acid) and Varley Lithium batteries please visit our website www.varlkeyredtop.com where you can download product datasheets and transportation information.