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0553022-2 – Textron Aviation OEM Battery Tray Assembly for Cessna Skyhawk Aircraft
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Textron Aviation 0553022-2 is an OEM, flight-critical battery tray assembly specifically designed for installation in various models of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. This assembly serves as the primary structural mount for the aircraft's main battery, securing it firmly within the engine compartment. Its function extends beyond simple support; it is a critical safety component engineered to contain the battery, withstand significant G-loads during flight maneuvers, and manage the hazardous materials associated with lead-acid batteries, such as corrosive acid and explosive hydrogen gas.
Constructed from high-strength, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, the 0553022-2 is precision-formed and assembled to exact airframe interface specifications. It is treated with a specialized acid-resistant finish to prevent corrosion from battery electrolyte spills or venting, which could otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the tray and surrounding airframe. The design incorporates features for secure battery retention and may include provisions for venting and drainage. As the foundation for the aircraft's electrical power source, the airworthiness of this tray is paramount to both electrical system reliability and overall aircraft safety.
Key Features
OEM Certification: Genuine Textron Aviation part, ensuring perfect fit, structural integrity, and material compliance.
Corrosion-Resistant Finish: Coated with a specialized acid-proof paint or epoxy to protect against sulfuric acid electrolyte spillage and fumes.
High-Strength Construction: Fabricated from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy to withstand flight loads and vibration without fatigue.
Precision Fit: Engineered to the exact dimensions and mounting hole patterns for specified Cessna 172 models, ensuring a direct, secure installation.
Integrated Safety Design: Designed to contain and manage battery hazards, protecting the surrounding airframe structure.
Structural Integrity: Provides the necessary structural support to secure a heavy battery component against prescribed forward, aft, side, and vertical G-loads.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 0553022-2
Component Type: Battery Tray Assembly
OEM Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Material: Aerospace Grade Aluminum Alloy, likely 2024-T3 or 6061-T6. Specific alloy must be confirmed by OEM Certificate of Conformance (CofC).
Finish: Acid-resistant, corrosion-inhibiting epoxy or paint.
Governing Specifications: Manufactured to Textron Aviation proprietary specifications, compliant with FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 23 for battery installation and safety.
Aircraft Compatibility
Cessna (Textron Aviation): 172R Skyhawk, 172S Skyhawk SP
Note: This compatibility list is for reference only. The aircraft's specific Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the sole authoritative document for determining part applicability. Part numbers for battery trays can vary significantly between different model years and serial number ranges of the Cessna 172.
Applications
Battery Mounting: Provides the primary structural foundation for securing the main aircraft battery in the engine compartment.
Corrosion Prevention: Acts as a barrier, protecting the firewall and surrounding airframe components from corrosive battery acid.
Safety Containment: Helps to contain the battery and any potential leaks, and facilitates proper venting of hydrogen gas produced during charging cycles.
Vibration Dampening: Contributes to securing the battery against the high-vibration environment of the engine compartment.
Why Choose 0553022-2?
The battery tray is a frontline defense against catastrophic airframe corrosion and fire hazards. Using a non-OEM or improperly coated tray introduces a significant risk. An acid spill from a cracked battery case can be absorbed by a compromised tray, leading to undetected corrosion that can severely weaken primary airframe structures. The OEM 0553022-2 is manufactured from the correct material and, most critically, is finished with a proven, acid-resistant coating designed to last. Sourcing a genuine Textron Aviation part is the only way to ensure the safety, compliance, and long-term structural integrity of the aircraft.
The design and material finishing of the 0553022-2 battery tray are dictated by stringent safety requirements outlined in 14 CFR §23.2355 concerning the installation of storage batteries. The material, typically a high-strength aluminum alloy like 2024-T3, is chosen for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, this alloy is highly susceptible to corrosion from sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), the electrolyte in lead-acid batteries. The engineering solution is the application of a specialized multi-layer coating system. This is not ordinary paint; it is typically a two-part epoxy or a similar polymeric coating with a highly cross-linked molecular structure. This dense structure creates an impermeable barrier, preventing the electrolyte's hydrogen ions from reaching the aluminum substrate and initiating a corrosive electrochemical reaction. This finish must resist not only direct spills but also the insidious, creeping corrosion from acid fumes, ensuring the tray maintains its load-bearing capacity and protects the adjacent firewall and engine mount structures from degradation over the life of the aircraft.
Note: The 0553022-2 is a flight-critical structural component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the current Textron Aviation maintenance manual for the specific aircraft model. All mounting hardware must be torqued to the specified values. The condition of the battery tray and its protective coating must be inspected regularly as part of the aircraft's standard maintenance and inspection schedule.
