New US Navy batteries are deemed submarine-safe
The Iver4 900 AUV on which the new battery pack was tested. (Picture: L3Harris)
The use of Passive Propagation Technology significantly reduces the risk of Lithium-ion batteries for use in torpedo tube launched AUVs.
The US Navy has designed fault-tolerant Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Passive Propagation Resistant (PPR) batteries suitable for use on submarine AUVs, in collaboration with L3Harris.
Lithium-ion batteries have long posed a conundrum for armed forces: in terms of power generation and delivery, they have become a reliable standard. But they have also historically been both a significant fire hazard and a distinct explosion risk. Those risks are exacerbated by the nature of submarines in terms of both pressure and oxygen replenishment, so taking Li-ion batteries into the underwater battlefield has always required extreme care.
The particular risk of Li-ion batteries is in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
