US lithium-ion battery firm Navitas Systems has been awarded a contract by Alion Science and Technology Corporation, worth up to $1.55m.
The Illinois firm has been tasked to develop a next-generation lithium-ion “6T” battery system for use in military applications, with a focus on ground combat vehicle applications.
The standard battery for the Unites States, and many NATO ground combat vehicles, is the 6T battery, which has to-date been based on lead-acid chemistry. For example, a HUMVEE vehicle has two 6T batteries, and an Abrams tank can have from six to twelve 6T batteries.
Currently, there are three companies who are funded by Alion Science and Technology to develop a first generation lithium 6T Battery: Navitas Systems, Saft, and Eagle Picher. Navitas is the first, and so far only, company to be awarded an additional contract for the development of a second-generation lithium-ion 6T Battery.
Navitas Systems will leverage the award to enhance the capabilities of its current Ultanium Military 6T Battery, by significantly increasing the energy and power density over the current first generation lithium version. It will be developing both the cell and pack technology for the second generation Ultanium6T lithium ion battery. In addition, Navitas plans to commercialize the cell for dual-use applications.
Navitas is tasked with improving upon the 6T battery platform for use in high demand environments. The goal is to develop a battery that will enable high efficiency to vehicles that spend extended time with engines idling to power onboard electronics.
