Early
in 2013, the first sea firings of a torpedo fitted with a Li-ion battery
were completed successfully: propelled completely safely at more than
50 knots, the torpedo also benefits from an endurance that can exceed
one hour. It took ten years of studies, research and testing for the
DCNS Saint-Tropez personnel specialised in undersea weapons, in collaboration
with electrochemists from Saft*, to give practical form to this new
product. |
Li-ion
technology is capable of supplying the high electrical power level needed
to propel a torpedo, and allows battery recharging. Thanks to this technology,
DCNS now has a product meeting the operational performance criteria
required by navies, but also the robustness and safety criteria indispensable
for embarkation on onboard submarines. This world premiere illustrates
the determination of DCNS to provide navies with a suitable answer to
their anti-submarine warfare training needs.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers a real alternative to the
silver oxide-zinc technology used for 50 years in exercise torpedoes.
Proven but obsolescent, this old technology no longer provides performance
matching that of new-generation combat torpedoes, making training too
unrealistic.
* World leader in the design and manufacture of high-technology electrochemical
stacks for industry and defence. |
