DRS Technologies awards Saft more than $1million in contracts for high-power Li-ion batteries
Cockeysville,
United States -
Jul 7, 2009 -
Saft, a world leader in high-tech batteries, has signed two contracts totaling more than $1 million with DRS Technologies to supply its lithium-ion (Liion) energy storage systems for the Integrated Fight Through Power (IFTP) system for the U.S. Navy's DDG 1000 destroyers.
"Given the U.S. Navy's stringent battery requirements, the introduction of our Li-ion technology into the DDG 1000 platform marks a huge milestone for Saft," said Thomas Alcide, Saft Specialty Battery Group General Manager. "We are excited to receive these two contracts and the opportunity to further our partnership with the U.S. Navy by positioning ourselves as a trusted and reliable battery supplier."
The two rechargeable Li-ion batteries will support key functions within the IFTP system, which sustains the destroyers' Integrated Power Systems (IPS) and provides the means for conversion and distribution of the ships' service power to various shipboard weapons and sensor systems, as well as various auxiliary systems.
Saft will develop 12 batteries using VL 34P cells for each destroyer with custom electronics, housing and an integrated charger to support the IFTP's Load Center breakers, giving them the ability to shut down electronically, even when there is no power.
Under the second contract, Saft will provide 22 batteries, also based on VL 34P cells, for each ship for the IFTP's Housekeeping Power Supply (HKPS). The batteries will supply onboard back-up power, carrying the destroyers' loads until they can be shut down.
The VL34P cell was developed to provide the ideal dual performance of power and energy suited for applications that require both high power and long run times. The ability to operate at very high temperatures - up to 70oC - while maintaining performance for the duration of its long lifetime makes this cell the perfect solution for integration into energy storage systems for a wide array of military applications. This technology has also been used in various military hybrid electric vehicle applications to support battery-only operation, silent watch and drive assist. The DDG 1000 destroyer is the first in a class of the U.S. Navy's multi-mission surface combatants tailored for the littoral, air and sub-surface warfare. It operates as part of a joint maritime fleet, assisting Marine strike forces ashore. The ship's affordable and flexible design, unmatched stealth and precision volume strike make the DDG 1000 an important asset to the
U.S. war fighter.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry.
Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes,
transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries
for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is
also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries.
With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites
and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF
120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
About DRS Technologies:
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is a leading supplier of integrated products,
services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The
company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A. (FNC.MI) which employs more than 73,000
people worldwide.
For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com
"Given the U.S. Navy's stringent battery requirements, the introduction of our Li-ion technology into the DDG 1000 platform marks a huge milestone for Saft," said Thomas Alcide, Saft Specialty Battery Group General Manager. "We are excited to receive these two contracts and the opportunity to further our partnership with the U.S. Navy by positioning ourselves as a trusted and reliable battery supplier."
The two rechargeable Li-ion batteries will support key functions within the IFTP system, which sustains the destroyers' Integrated Power Systems (IPS) and provides the means for conversion and distribution of the ships' service power to various shipboard weapons and sensor systems, as well as various auxiliary systems.
Saft will develop 12 batteries using VL 34P cells for each destroyer with custom electronics, housing and an integrated charger to support the IFTP's Load Center breakers, giving them the ability to shut down electronically, even when there is no power.
Under the second contract, Saft will provide 22 batteries, also based on VL 34P cells, for each ship for the IFTP's Housekeeping Power Supply (HKPS). The batteries will supply onboard back-up power, carrying the destroyers' loads until they can be shut down.
The VL34P cell was developed to provide the ideal dual performance of power and energy suited for applications that require both high power and long run times. The ability to operate at very high temperatures - up to 70oC - while maintaining performance for the duration of its long lifetime makes this cell the perfect solution for integration into energy storage systems for a wide array of military applications. This technology has also been used in various military hybrid electric vehicle applications to support battery-only operation, silent watch and drive assist. The DDG 1000 destroyer is the first in a class of the U.S. Navy's multi-mission surface combatants tailored for the littoral, air and sub-surface warfare. It operates as part of a joint maritime fleet, assisting Marine strike forces ashore. The ship's affordable and flexible design, unmatched stealth and precision volume strike make the DDG 1000 an important asset to the
U.S. war fighter.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry.
Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes,
transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries
for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is
also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries.
With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites
and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF
120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
About DRS Technologies:
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is a leading supplier of integrated products,
services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The
company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A. (FNC.MI) which employs more than 73,000
people worldwide.
For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com
Company Center: Saft
