SubscribeSaft awarded second order for lithium-ion technology from U.S. Army next-generation hybrid electric military vehicles
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research Development Engineering Command (TARDEC) and DRS Technologies have selected Saft to provide high-power lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology for next-generation hybrid electric demonstration vehicles.
Hybrid Electric Military Vehicles and Drive Systems
The batteries provide power for the vehicle start-up and hybrid electric drive systems, as well as support for silent watch capabilities.
Saft has delivered two batteries to TARDEC for testing purposes. Hybrid vehicles hold the promise of reduced fuel usage, longer silent watch periods and lower maintenance battery costs over the life of the vehicle. Successful testing will help move the military toward the use of more hybrid electric vehicles in the field.
"We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the U.S. Army TARDEC and DRS Technologies," said Thomas Alcide, Saft Specialty Battery Group General Manager and President of Saft America.
In 2005, Saft successfully provided Li-ion batteries for the TARDEC's Hybrid Electric High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) demonstrator. TARDEC is upgrading the additional demonstrator hybrid vehicles from their present lead acid batteries to enhance the efficiency of military vehicle operations.
High-Power Lithium-ion Batteries
Saft's high-power batteries will provide hybrid electric military vehicles with enhanced performance. The U.S. Army TARDEC is responsible for providing Soldiers with unrivaled battlefield capabilities, including mobility, lethality and survivability. TARDEC ensures that U.S. Soldiers are prepared for combat with the most advanced technology available.
Saft's high-power Lithium-ion batteries are currently being used to power several of the military's hybrid electric demonstrator vehicles, including BAE Systems (United Defense's) Non Line of Sight Canon (NLOS-C), Carnegie Mellon National Robotics Engineering Center's Crusher Robotic Vehicle, General Dynamic Land Systems' Reconnaissance Surveillance Targeting Vehicle (RSTV), and TARDEC's Hybrid Electric High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
Baltimore, MD, December 17, 2007
