Li-ion power is radical solution for Japanese submarines
The development of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for submarines has taken a significant leap forward with the commissioning of JS Oryu, the latest Soryu-class submarine for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
It is the first submarine equipped with lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide batteries from GS Yuasa in place of the existing Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) system from Swedish company Kockums, which was fitted to the previous ten boats of the Soryu class.
What Japan has done with Oryu, and will with the next boat Toryu, is seen as brave and radical because, until now, the
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