Search Results

This paper will summarize the details of replacing the EA-6B Sealed Nickel-Cadmium (SNC) batteries in an effort to reduce battery maintenance and battery maintenance costs. A flight evaluation program is presently underway at two locations to validate the proposed change from SNC batteries to Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries. The EA-6B aircraft currently uses two 26-volt SNC batteries, military part number (MIL PN) D8565/1-1, and one 24-volt SNC battery, part number MS17334-2. The SNC batteries are scheduled for maintenance every 112 days, which requires removal and replacement of the batteries at the O-level and battery maintenance at the I-level (battery shop). A load check is required every 28 days on the aircraft in accordance with the Maintenance Requirement Card (MRC).

In the continuing effort to save Fleet Operations and Maintenance (O&M) costs, a united effort was launched to propose the replacement of the Nickel-Cadmium battery on the F-5 aircraft with a valve-regulated, sealed lead-acid battery. The Aging Aircraft IPT (AAIPT) at Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River (PAX River), Maryland presented the concept to the Value Engineering group at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia and successfully obtained funding for this and other Aging Aircraft efforts. The AAIPT then approached the Propulsion and Power Division of Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-4.4.4.1) as the cognizant engineering activity over batteries. AIR-4.4.4.1 then requested the assistance of Crane Division of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) to develop a test plan and a Memorandum of Agreement and to obtain flight test authority as well as conduct the flight test.