Expanding Production Capability To Match Near Term Needs Of The Zephyr Program

Airbus Defense and Space has partnered with U.S. based Amprius Inc.’s current equity funding. This financing will further boost the development of new generation batteries based on Silicon Nanowire Anode technology.

The investment will help drive the development of higher volume production capacity along with higher energy density cells for Airbus Defence and Space aerospace programs, including the Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo Satellite and Urban Air Mobility innovation initiatives.

“This partnership reinforces the link between two market leaders, the newest generation batteries of the market matched with the most advanced HAPS program. Zephyr is currently the only one operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 and running exclusively on solar power, providing persistent local satellite-like services and supporting a wide range of applications and tasks,” said Jana Rosenmann, Head of Airbus Unmanned Aerial Systems.

The first to introduce 100% silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries to the market in 2013, Amprius manufactures the highest energy density commercial batteries in the industry. The company’s products and technology platforms include a 100% silicon nanowire anode, silicon-graphite composite anodes, lithium-rich cathodes, and high voltage electrolytes tailored for silicon.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Airbus and supplying batteries for the Zephyr program,” said Jon Bornstein, COO of Amprius. “The incorporation of Amprius’ 100% silicon nanowire anode-based lithium ion batteries into the Zephyr platform represents an important validation of this technology. Likewise, our development of high energy power cells for Urban Air Mobility will enable exciting opportunities in new aviation markets.”

Amprius Inc.’s high energy density batteries are used for smartphones, wearables, drones, robotics, aerospace vehicles, electrical transportation, and military equipment.

Zephyr is the world’s leading, solar–electric, stratospheric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will bring new see, sense and connect capabilities to both commercial and military customers. Zephyr will provide the potential to revolutionise disaster management, including monitoring the spread of wildfires or oil spills. It provides persistent surveillance, tracing the world’s changing environmental landscape and will be able to provide communications to the most unconnected parts of the world.

Zephyr is enabled by the latest in battery technology. Both the increase in production volumes of the new generation batteries and research for future development will be used to further the Zephyr program and build on its market leading position.

(Source: Airbus news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com