RTCA DO-311

Description / Abstract: This standard applies to rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems that are permanently installed on aircraft. For the purpose of this standard, a battery or battery system is considered permanently installed equipment when it is included as part of the type design of the aircraft (or supplemental/amended type design). This standard also applies to rechargeable lithium batteries contained within Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) that are part of the type design. This standard does not apply to primary (nonrechargeable) lithium batteries.

Note: Rechargeable lithium batteries within PEDs that are not part of the type design are outside the scope of this standard; these PEDs fall under the purview of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Division and are regulated by operational rules under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). PEDs that are not part of the type design, especially those being recharged on the flight deck, present similar hazards as permanently installed equipment.

This standard does not require individual cell level testing or characterization of cell/battery aging. Other standards such as UL, IEC, and UN may be used to perform cell level testing or to characterize aging effects of the cell/battery.

Purpose

This Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) is for rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems permanently installed on aircraft. It provides design, analysis, testing, and installation guidance for rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems. The tests defined in this document provide a standardized method for verification (i.e. pass/fail) and characterization (i.e. report results) of the safety and performance of batteries and battery systems.

This standard is intended for designers and manufacturers of rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems, aircraft manufacturers, aircraft equipment installers, and users within the aviation community. Meeting the requirements of this standard provides a means of assuring that the batteries and battery systems will perform their intended function(s) safely under conditions encountered in aeronautical operations. To ensure safe operation on the aircraft, it is imperative that users of this standard thoroughly understand the aircraft performance requirements and the capabilities and limitations of the batteries and battery systems. It is the equipment installers’ responsibility to ensure that the batteries and battery systems meet the certification and installation requirements of the aircraft. Any regulatory application of this standard is the responsibility of the applicable government agency.