RTCA DO-311A

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.

This standard provides design, testing, and installation guidance for rechargeable lithium battery systems that are permanently installed on aircraft including standalone and embedded batteries. It addresses all sizes of rechargeable lithium battery systems regardless of energy content (watt-hours). Batteries or battery systems that are less than two watt-hours are exempt from this standard if they have met the requirements of applicable UL or IEC standards. Otherwise, the requirements of this standard apply.