Lithion, Inc has developed a direct replacement for the existing nickel-cadmium
(Ni-Cad) batteries currently used on the USAF B-2 Spirit stealth
bomber.
The Lithium-Ion battery boasts the advantage of five
times the energy output while maintaining the same weight and dimensions of the
original battery.
In cooperation with the Air Force
Research Lab, as well as Northrop Grumman Corporation, the B-2 prime
contractor, Lithion developed a 38 lb battery that fits dimensionally
into the existing B-2 battery case. An equivalent sealed Ni-Cad
battery would weigh approximately 108 lbs, and require modifications
to the structure of one of the world’s most advanced aircraft.Additional improvements included
increasing the temperature performance window, as well as
significantly reducing required maintenance due to its longer life
design. The battery was also designed to interface with
the existing Ni-Cad battery charger, avoiding the cost of new hardware
as well as reducing risk due to integration complexities.
Flight-testing of the new Lithium-Ion
batteries has been on going since Jun 2004. Engineering development
models are being flown with the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman
Air Force Base, MO as well as the Air Force Flight Test Center at
Edwards Air Force Base, CA.
The batteries have undergone
low-temperature, high-temperature, and life-cycle tests with excellent
battery performance. Required low temperature performance objectives
were met and higher than required capacity at normal temperatures
provides addition margin if necessary.
The batteries now have over 700 hours of onboard
flight time without having to replace or service the batteries due to complete
discharge.
Lithion Inc is a division of Yardney Technical
Products and Ener-Tek International. The company provides high energy
density batteries for a number of aerospace and marine applications.
Lithion
Inc. 82 Mechanic Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379
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