SubscribeU.S. Army ManTech program helps Saft double power performance of lithium-ion cells while cutting costs by 50 percent
Saft's Space & Defense Division, located in Cockeysville, Maryland, has reached milestone improvements for the facility's production capabilities, including a 100% increase in capacity and a 50% savings in production cost (from baseline product cost since 2004).
The improvements are part of the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research Development Engineering Command's (TARDEC) Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) contract, awarded to Saft in 2004. The ManTech program provides funding for the development of low-risk, affordable technologies for the military. The goal is to improve production cost through product flow improvements, simplifying the design of manufactured products, and reducing labor hours.
Lithium-ion Battery System
Saft has reduced cell labor hours by 63%, reduced material and component design cost by 38% and has doubled the power density of its "P" cells. The ManTech funding is aimed primarily at Saft's VL34P battery system for hybrid electric military vehicles.
"The lessons learned from the ManTech effort are being applied across all cell types and programs," said Thomas Alcide, Saft Specialty Battery Group General Manager. "By improving its manufacturing processes for the VL34P cells, Saft has improved the cost and quality of all of its cells. TARDEC can rely on high quality and lower cost products from Saft for its hybrid electric vehicle programs. Our goal is to manufacture 10 times more Li-ion cells by 2010 than at the start of the contract in 2004."
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power
The ManTech program presents the opportunity for Saft to contribute to more projects for hybrid electric vehicle power with both TARDEC/TACOM. The cells support silent watch capabilities in combat vehicles and power the electric drive system. The VL3443.2 V and provides continuous power of 20 kW.
Baltimore, MD, December 18, 2007
