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
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
