Saft Rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Will Power APU Start-up and Emergency Back-up Systems on First Project to Emerge From Russia's Rejuvenated Civil Aerospace Industry
Sukhoi Superjet 100 family of regional passenger planes, the first series of aircraft to emerge from Russia's rejuvenated civil aerospace industry, will rely on Saft rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries to provide starting power for the on-board APU (auxiliary power unit) as well as supporting vital emergency back-up systems. This prestigious contract concluded earlier this year further consolidates Saft's well established reputation in the Russian aviation market, where it has operated for over 15 years, supplying high quality batteries customised to suit local needs using locally sourced components.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100, designed and developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and marketed jointly with Alenia Aeronautica, is the first ever civil aircraft to be delivered to the market by Sukhoi, and it forms part of the aircraft manufacturer's long term programme to achieve an eventual 40:40 balance between military and civil production balanced by services. It is a modern, fly-by-wire regional jet in the 75 to 95 seat category. The first test flight took place on May 19, 2008 with certification forseen by mid 2009 and the first deliveries are scheduled in 3Q09. To date, Sukhoi Superjet 100 has secured nearly 100 solid orders plus 40 options for the SSJ100, and targets to acquire 17 per cent of the world's regional passenger plane market with some 1000 aircraft to be sold over the next 20 years.
Four 24 V Saft Ni-Cd battery systems will be installed on each SSJ100. They have full approval from both EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and the Russian airworthiness authorities.
The key factors that persuaded Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company to specify Saft batteries for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 project were the demonstrated reliability and low TCO (total cost of ownership) of Ni-Cd technology in critical aviation applications, combined with Saft's strong local representation and extensive worldwide sales and service network that enables it to support a global programme. Saft's involvement goes well beyond supplying the batteries as it is also providing maintenance training and auditing of the major battery facilities in Russia with the assistance of its local technical representative, Trace Russia.
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 defence. 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 specialised advanced technologies for the defence 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.
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