Saft Leads the Way in Lithium-Ion Batteries for Aerospace Applications
13 June 2005 11:54
Saft has been at the forefront of aircraft battery technology since 1937, when it launched its first range of specialised rechargeable nickel-cadmium aviation batteries. At this year's Paris Air Show, Saft is showing its leading edge developments in super-high-power lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries adapted for aerospace applications, where they offer major savings in weight and maintenance costs. This potential has already been recognised in important contracts to supply Saft Li-ion batteries for the latest and most prestigious UAV and jet fighter US military projects.
Super-High-Power Li-Ion
The key advantage of Saft super-high-power lithium-ion batteries is their high energy density and high power density that facilitate the design of a lightweight battery system which could save nearly 50% of the weight of traditional batteries. Each gram of weight saved in an aircraft contributes directly to the OEM's bottom line.
Saft Li-ion battery technology has demonstrated a cycle life at least equivalent to traditional batteries, confirming its suitability for aviation applications. Combined with a sealed maintenance-free design requiring no topping up it can therefore offer a low cost of ownership over the whole life of the aircraft. Another advantage of Li-ion technology versus Ni-Cd is the direct relationship between the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) and the battery's state of charge.
Even though Li-ion technology is new to aircraft applications it is already well proven by Saft in numerous space vehicle and satellite applications as well as various energy storage and propulsion applications. Li-ion batteries are proving of particular interest for use in the development of the most advanced aircraft, helicopters and UAVs where weight is critical to the mission.
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Saft - Aircraft Batteries
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