Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has been awarded a contract from Lockheed Martin for delivery of e6T Li-ion battery systems for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Program.
The JLTV program will produce a family of vehicles capable of performing multiple mission roles that will be designed to provide protected, sustained, networked mobility for personnel and payloads across the full range of military operations. JLTV objectives include increased protection and performance over the current fleet; minimizing ownership costs by maximizing commonality, fuel efficiency, reliability, and maintaining effective competition throughout the lifecycle.
The Saft e6T Li-ion battery system features an advanced, lightweight design within the dimensions of a traditional lead-acid battery, enabling easy integration into the vehicle. The system provides power for starting, lights and ignition, as well as for silent watch missions, while also providing critical front-line power to recharge personal electronics like night sights and GPS devices. The 25.5V battery features CANBus communications technology which relays vital information such as state-of-charge, cell voltages and temperatures, and battery diagnostics.
Saft will deliver 59 batteries in total to Lockheed Martin for vehicle prototypes scheduled for delivery during the 33-month EMD phase, followed by a final competition after which a production contract will be awarded, around 2015. Lockheed Martin represents one of the three competing development teams. If the Lockheed Martin team is selected, Saft would potentially produce e6T Li-ion batteries for JLTV production to take place over an eight year period.
The EMD-phase contract for Saft calls for delivery of battery systems in 2013. The JLTV program allows Saft to further demonstrate the capabilities of its maintenance-free e6T battery system for military ground vehicles, already being demonstrated in the Improved Battery System program for the Marine Corps.
“Working on the JLTV program with Lockheed Martin gives us a unique opportunity to continue delivering industry-best power solutions to the U.S. military,” said Thomas Alcide, General Manager of Saft’s Specialty Battery Group. “Saft is proud to be an integral part of a project that has the potential to serve and protect our service personnel and help save lives, while delivering high performance and value for money.”
