Researchers address future of missile electrical power
Example of a hydrogen fuel cell stack. (Photo: General Motors)
Could sodium cells or fuel cell stacks provide missile electrical power during flight, instead of thermal batteries?
Most missiles in service today use thermal batteries as their primary source of electrical power during flight. While this presents a number of distinct advantages — such as high energy density and potential for long storage without use — a number of challenges are emerging.
Chief amongst them is a limited supply chain and the fact that a number of thermal battery components are becoming scarcer and therefore more expensive.
The search for alternative sources of energy has started but few solutions so far can yield the same results with equal safety as thermal batteries.
In an attempt to crack the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
