Chemring upgrades exploder batteries

Chemring Technology Solutions has upgraded the batteries for is Shrike MkIV and MkV hard-wired exploders, it was announced on 16 June.

The new batteries enable longer in-field operations. They are also more environment-friendly, and their power capacity is less likely to diminish over time.

Shrikes are used in over 50 countries at present to initiate explosives, electro-explosive devices and pyrotechnics.

The new Ni-MH battery is rechargeable and has two times the capacity of the Ni-Cad batteries that the previous Shrikes carried. In addition, they carry no heavy metals, reducing their environmental impact when they are disposed of.

Mike Luedicke, managing director, Chemring Technology Solutions, said: 'Following decades of service, the Shrike exploder has proven itself as a key component of military demolitions capability. With the introduction of new battery and charger technology, we have extended the life of this successful product by improving its usability and performance. In turn this will provide increased operational effectiveness and reduce long-term costs.'