BP1010 – Merl Narco ELT Battery Pack ELT 10
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Merl BP1010 is a genuine, FAA-PMA approved ELT battery pack, a flight-critical power source engineered specifically for the Narco ELT 10 series of Emergency Locator Transmitters. This is not a standard battery; it is a high-energy, long-life lithium battery pack designed to perform reliably after years of dormancy in the harsh and variable aircraft environment. The BP1010 utilizes a sophisticated Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2) chemistry, chosen for its exceptional energy density, wide operational temperature range, and long shelf life. Its sole purpose is to provide the necessary power for the ELT to transmit a distress signal in the event of an emergency.
As a direct replacement for the original battery, this Merl pack guarantees the certified performance and reliability required for this life-saving piece of equipment. Its integrity is fundamental to ensuring your aircraft's emergency location system will function when it is needed most.
Key Features
Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2) Chemistry: Utilizes a high-energy density LiSO2 chemistry. This advanced formulation provides a very stable voltage output across a wide range of temperatures and discharge rates, which is essential for consistent ELT transmitter performance.
Long Service & Shelf Life: The battery pack is hermetically sealed and designed for a long service life, with a mandatory replacement interval clearly marked on the unit. The LiSO2 chemistry provides excellent protection against self-discharge, ensuring the battery retains its power for years.
Meets TSO-C91a Requirements: Engineered and tested to meet the rigorous performance and safety standards of FAA TSO-C91a for ELT batteries. This includes requirements for capacity, durability, and performance under extreme G-loads and temperatures.
High-Energy Output: Designed to power the ELT transmitter continuously for the full duration required by FAA and Cospas-Sarsat regulations (typically a minimum of 48 hours at varying temperatures).
Direct Replacement: Engineered as a direct, drop-in replacement for the original battery pack in the Narco ELT 10, ensuring a perfect fit and correct electrical connection without any modification.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: BP1010
Manufacturer: Merl
Component Type: Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Battery Pack
Battery Chemistry: Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2)
Nominal Voltage: (Typically 6.0 to 7.2 VDC, depending on cell configuration)
Primary Function: Provides primary power for ELT activation and transmission.
Service Life: Must be replaced by the date marked on the battery or after any ELT activation.
Certification: FAA-PMA, TSO-C91a
Aircraft Compatibility
The Merl BP1010 is the specified FAA-PMA replacement battery pack for a widely-used legacy Emergency Locator Transmitter.
Primary ELT Model:
Narco ELT 10
Common Aircraft Platforms:
A vast range of general aviation aircraft from manufacturers like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and others that were originally equipped with the Narco ELT 10.
Applications
The BP1010 is a flight-critical safety component with a singular, vital purpose:
Emergency Power Source: In the event of a crash, the ELT's G-switch activates the transmitter, which draws all of its power from the BP1010 battery pack to send a distress signal on the 121.5 MHz frequency.
Mandatory Replacement Item: This is a life-limited component. Federal regulations mandate that an ELT battery must be replaced after one hour of cumulative use, when 50% of its useful life has expired, or on the date marked on the battery.
Why Choose BP1010?
The sole purpose of an ELT is to function perfectly in a worst-case scenario. Its ability to do so is entirely dependent on the health of its battery pack. The Merl BP1010 is the certified, FAA-PMA approved power source designed specifically for the Narco ELT 10. Using a genuine, certified ELT battery is the only way to ensure the unit has the correct voltage, capacity, and long-term stability to meet TSO requirements and function when you and your passengers are counting on it.
The choice of Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (LiSO2) for the BP1010 is a deliberate engineering decision for a high-reliability emergency application. Unlike standard alkaline or even other lithium chemistries, LiSO2 cells offer an exceptionally flat discharge curve, meaning they maintain a consistent voltage for almost their entire useful life before a sharp drop-off at the end. This is critical for an ELT's transmitter, which requires a stable voltage to maintain its specified power output and frequency stability. Furthermore, LiSO2 has one of the best operational temperature ranges, capable of delivering high current even at the extremely low temperatures (-40°C and below) encountered in a high-altitude crash scenario, a condition where many other battery types would fail.
Note: This is a flight-critical, life-saving safety component with a mandatory replacement date. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or avionics technician in accordance with the aircraft and ELT manufacturer's maintenance manuals. The new expiration date must be properly recorded in the aircraft's permanent records. Function of the ELT must be tested after installation.