USN orders shipboard energy storage system from DRS
Future laser-equipped USN vessels will require a different kind of onboard power storage system. (Image: USNI/Lockheed Martin)
More efficient and adaptable onboard energy storage is required to cope with the new generation of power-hungry weapon systems and sensors aboard USN vessels.
DRS Naval Power Systems is to design, build, test and deliver an LRIP multi-application shipboard energy magazine for the USN, the DoD announced on 22 April.
Work on the baseline $24.46 million contract from Naval Sea Systems Command (worth up to $72.76 million with options) is expected to be completed by April 2027.
The energy magazine is intended to provide mission-adaptable flexibility for future and existing ship classes and weapons systems, by separating the interface between power electronics and batteries.
As envisaged by the USN, the energy magazine is a common, modular, scalable family of power conversion modules with a closely coupled energy storage subsystem used across multiple mission systems, including high-power pulsed weapons and sensors as well as an uninterruptable power supply capability.
In its January 2019 RfI for the energy magazine, the USN stated that it is ‘interested in the applications for higher-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) wideband gap devices and how they improve power electronics performance.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
