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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
-
![UK’s latest defence robotics and autonomy competition looks to break new ground]()
UK’s latest defence robotics and autonomy competition looks to break new ground
The UK Ministry of Defence is backing early-stage, high-risk autonomy concepts that could redefine how military systems are developed and deployed.
