Aero-News learned Wednesday the Concorde Battery Corporation has been selected by the US Navy to provide an advanced prototype lithium-ion battery for the upcoming CH-53K Helicopter. The battery to be developed will be a high discharge rate battery designed for APU start and emergency power.

Initial prototype batteries will be tested by the Navy for electrical performance, safety, and abuse tolerance. Following the initial test program, additional samples for qualification testing will be required.

"Concorde lithium-ion batteries for aircraft are based on the safest chemistry so far developed for lithium-ion technology, featuring a cathode material of lithium iron phosphate which precludes oxygen generation," said John Timmons, Vice President of Engineering for Concorde Battery. "Oxygen generation is one of the main contributors to the fire hazard in lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-ion battery for the CH-53K will be part of an integrated design with the control software and electronics of the aircraft system."

"Redundant safety systems built into the helicopter as well as into the battery are required to control the lithium-ion battery," Timmons added. "The protection systems and monitoring of the battery will provide safe reliable power for the next generation of CH-53 helicopters."

Representatives with Concorde tell ANN the US Navy chose Concorde’s lithium-ion battery technology for the CH-53K Helicopter for its high energy density, low maintenance, ease of use, and low self-discharge.

The Sikorsky CH-53K is a new heavy lift helicopter, part of the Navy’s Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) program. New CH-53K helicopters are scheduled to begin replacing the aging fleet of CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopters with initial flight tests scheduled in 2011, reaching initial operating capability by 2015.

Concorde Battery Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of specialty lead acid batteries and lithium-ion aircraft batteries located in West Covina, CA. With over 25 years of experience in the manufacture of aircraft batteries for both military applications and commercial Type Certified aircraft. Concorde is also the largest supplier of Original Equipment lead acid aircraft batteries to over 37 manufacturers of rotorcraft, corporate, and general aviation fixed wing aircraft.

FMI: www.concordebattery.com, www.navy.mil