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In recent years, a tremendous interest has spawned towards adapting Lithium-Ion battery technology for aircraft applications. Lithium-Ion technology is already being used in some military aircraft (e.g., the F-22, F-35 and the B-2) and it has also been selected as original equipment for large commercial aircraft (e.g., the Airbus A380 and Boeing B787). The advantages of Lithium-Ion technology over Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium technologies are higher specific energy (Wh/kg) and energy density (Wh/L), and longer cycle life. Saving weight is especially important in aircraft applications, because it can boost fuel economy and increase mission capability. Disadvantages of Lithium-Ion technology include higher initial cost, limited calendar/float life, inferior low temperature performance, and more severe safety hazards. This paper will present a direct comparison of a 24-Volt, 28Ah Lead-Acid and a 24-volt, 28Ah Lithium-Ion aircraft battery.

1.0 The aircraft industry demands high power batteries for auxiliary power unit (APU) and engine start. The power demands for these applications are met lead acid battery, however, these batteries are bulky and heavy. One of the important criteria for selecting an aircraft battery is its weight. There is an acute need for a lead acid battery, which can supply the power and energy demands of the application but also be lightweight. In this paper we present the use of lead coated Aluminum (Al) grids which result in a lightweight lead acid battery. The battery with lead (Pb) coated Al grids are 15% lighter in weight when compared to conventional lead acid battery. The results on capacity, high rate and cycle life of batteries made from lead coated Al grids is presented and discussed in detail in this paper.