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?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
