PARIS, 23 Dec. 2015. Saft, a designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, won a new contract from Textron Systems Unmanned Systems for Integrated Charger Batteries (ICBs) to power its next-generation Universal Ground Control Stations (UGCS). The lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries will provide back-up power to the stations which control unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones.
Saft’s light-weight 28-volt ICB delivers 100 amp hours, while reducing the overall size of the required system, officials say. The batteries will provide emergency back-up power for a flight-critical function of the UGCS, and activated in the event of a power failure, allowing the UGCS to carry out critical UAS control missions.
Saft has been providing Textron Systems with ICBs since a contract was first signed in 2010, and is working to apply this unique technology to other applications in the future.
Textron Systems’s UGCS is designed to be a joint services solution, incorporating a flexible, scalable architecture to meet current and future U.S. Department of Defense and international requirements.
“Our UGCS incorporates features and technologies for joint services interoperability, mission flexibility, scalability, and ease of use – making it universally capable for the future force,” describes Wayne Prender, Textron Systems Unmanned Systems Vice President, Surface Systems. “That’s why we look to trusted industry partners like Saft to deliver solutions – especially their ICB – to ensure our soldiers can complete the mission – regardless of its circumstances.”
Saft (Euronext:Saft) is a manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft offers space and defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies, which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation, and telecommunication network markets.
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