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The development of new environmentally friendly commercial batteries that offer rechargeable alternatives to lead-acid and Ni-Cd vented batteries has resulted in consideration of these new batteries for military aircraft applications. Existing vented batteries must be replaced with sealed, maintenance free or reduced maintenance batteries to meet USAF operational requirements and environmental policy guidance. Viable near term candidates for these replacements are the SLA, AMFABS, Ni-MH and the Lithium-ion batteries. The status of the technology and the development programs to implement these batteries along with the operational aircraft requirements are discussed.

The USAF in conjunction with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory established the DoD/NASA joint program to competitively develop high power, lithium ion battery technology and to establish North American domestic sources for lithium ion batteries. The program was initiated in FY97 to meet DoD and NASA requirements not addressed by commercial battery developments. Four contracts were awarded for cylindrical and prismatic cell and battery systems development. Technical and program management advisory groups were established to coordinate program management and to verify and validate test results from individual contractors. Specific applications, contract deliverable items and the overall schedule are presented.