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Batteries have been and are still an important component of the aircraft direct current (DC) power system. Batteries can be used for various functions aboard the aircraft, such as, auxiliary power unit starting, canopy operation, refueling, lighting, emergency power, fight control backup or a combination of functions. It is not uncommon, in modern aircraft, that the battery requirements have to be tailored to meet the unique operational, size, weight, and shape requirements of the aircraft. The specific requirements of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and related battery issues will be discussed.

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.