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The use of more powerful and sophisticated electronic devices on today's military and commercial aircraft has increased demands on the aircraft electrical system. These devices place additional loads on the main aircraft battery during preflight systems checkout and during an electrical power emergency. The maintenance-free Sealed Nickel-Cadmium (SNC) battery has demonstrated high reliability, high power capability, and increased energy storage for these applications. Electro Energy, Mobile Products (EEMP) Inc, (formerly the Power Systems Department of Eagle-Picher Technologies, LLC) has developed and manufactured sintered plate nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries for several flight programs. The sintered plate construction in NiCd's allows for high power density, long cycle life, and good low temperature performance. Nickel based batteries continue to play a significant role in the aircraft battery industry; therefore, it is important to review the benefits of this battery chemistry.

This manuscript addresses the characterization and evaluation of various nickel hydroxide half cells designed for use in aircraft batteries. Four different electrode configurations are examined for performance. Characterization testing includes evaluation for cycle life, utilization, capacity at temperature, and capacity at current.