SubscribeSaft has been awarded a major contract by DCN, the French naval defence group, to supply advanced battery systems based on its unique aluminium-silver oxide (Al-AgO) technology to power Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes.
DCN will assemble the Saft Al-AgO batteries
capable of delivering twice as much energy and power as conventional silver-zinc (Ag-Zn) batteries, into PB50 torpedo electric propulsion systems for delivery to WASS (Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei) for use in the construction of Black Shark torpedoes for the navies of Chile, Malaysia and Portugal.
“The Black Shark contract consolidates a 20-year partnership with DCN as well as establishing further proof of Saft’s world leading position as a provider of electric propulsion systems for heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes” said Philippe Jehanno, General Manager of the Space and Defense Division. “We anticipate that this contract will be worth several million euros over the next three years, and we already have the order for 23 PB50 battery systems. They will be manufactured at our dedicated torpedo battery facility in Poitiers, France, where we are expanding the production capacity to meet demand.” Moreover, DCN is participating actively in this expansion of Saft’s production capacity.
Black Shark Torpedo
The Black Shark advanced dual-purpose, long-range, wire guided and self-homing torpedo is a heavyweight version of the Eurotorp MU90/IMPACT lightweight torpedo that already uses a Saft Al-AgO batteriy system. The battery powers an electric propulsion system, comprising an electronically controlled high RPM brush-less motor, driving a skewed, multi-blade, pump-jet propulsor, capable of propelling torpedo at speeds above 50 knots for 15 minutes. The battery also powers the onboard electronic control, guidance and countermeasures systems.
Aluminium-Silver Oxide Battery Technology
At the end of the 1980s, the JFP (Joint Feasibilty Programme) between France, Germany and Italy was set up to define a new electric propulsion system for heavyweight torpedoes, and Al-AgO was the selected technology. This is because for the same mass and volume, an Al-AgO system can deliver twice as much energy and power as a conventional Ag-Zn battery. Furthermore, Al-AgO has a long, maintenance-free, storage life of up to 12 years. Currently, Saft is the only battery manufacturer able to offer Al-AgO technology.
About DCN
DCN is a major player on the European and world markets for value-adding naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCN combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCN offers client navies a wide range of innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment and services.
