Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: Saft Batteries
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 13 June 2005
Airbus specifies batteries for transport
aircraft
The new Airbus A400M tactical transport turboprop aircraft will use Saft ULM rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to provide onboard power for engine starting and electrical systems backup.
The new Airbus A400M tactical transport turboprop aircraft, scheduled to make its first flight in early 2008, will use Saft ULM rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to provide onboard power for engine starting and electrical systems backup This is the latest contract to result from the long-term co-operation between Saft and the EADS-Casa teams with ULM batteries already flying on the A330s, A340s and, most recently, the A380 Superjumbo
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 22 Mar 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Saft's lithium powers Hubble servicing
NASA astronauts servicing the Hubble telescope relied on lithium batteries supplied by Saft - and the batteries are now standard on power tools used on Shuttle missions.
Batteries back up remote telecomms repeater
Telecomms operator Northwestel has switched to Ultima.plus rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to provide a reliable and resilient source of backup power for its Nahanni microwave repeater station.
In placing the battery contract, a key consideration for EADS-Casa was to ensure security of supply and reliable service throughout a major long-term project, with around 370 A400M aircraft to be delivered between 2009 and 2025.
Saft's previous track record with Airbus projects combined with tried and tested product and logistical support available worldwide proved decisive.
The A400M (formerly known as the Future Large Aircraft) is designed to meet the strategic airlift requirements of European airforces.
Further reading
Lithium-ion cell finds new markets
Saft is launching a high-performance version of its Li-ion MP 176065 cell targeted at markets including military, medical, communications, instrumentation and tracking applications.
Novel batteries prove their worth in space
Saft has signed a contract with Eads Space Transportation to provide all the in-flight battery systems for the next 30 Ariane 5 launch vehicles.
It has a much larger payload than the C-160 Transall and C-130 and the design makes extensive use of composite materials.
The cargo compartment can be configured for cargo, vehicle or troop transport or air-drop, a combination of these or for aeromedical evacuation.
It can carry up to nine standard military pallets, including two on the ramp, along with 58 troops seated along the side, or up to 120 fully equipped troops seated in four rows.
The battery Saft has developed for the A400M is a 40Ah unit.
The ULM design provides a higher capacity battery, lighter in weight per Ah, with extended maintenance intervals and superior low temperature performance.
The key to the ULM battery's improved performance and life cycle cost is its plastic bonded negative electrode (PBE).
This dramatically reduces battery water consumption by diminishing the current drawn during overcharge.
The nonsintered negative plate weighs less, provides better energy density and allows for an increased reserve of electrolyte.
At the same time, the ULM design features an enhanced sintered positive electrode combined with a special electrolyte optimised to increase charge efficiency.
All of these features combine to double the interval between maintenance checks.
Saft's ULM technology has become established as the standard for NiCd aviation batteries that can offer both high performance and low maintenance for drastic reductions in the cost of ownership and operation.
Since its launch in 1992 well over 11,000 ULM batteries have been put into service by both large and small aircraft operators. Request free introductory details about products from Saft Batteries ...
• Saft Batteries: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
