Saft - Lithium Cells and Battery Packs

Saft is well-known in the battery industry for its high-technology products for industrial and portable applications. Saft is also a major worldwide player in many defense applications.

Batteries for mobile battlefield communications

For mobile battlefield communications, Saft supplies as much as half the accessible market with three different primary lithium technologies: LiSO2, LiSOCl2 and LiMnO2.

Flagship Saft batteries include the BA5590 (illustrated on the right), which is available in three versions, including one with a state-of-charge indicator.

Lithium-ion is becoming increasingly used in projects to replace nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd). The BB5590's rechargeable equivalent, the Li-ion BB2590, is also now available.

Batteries for missiles and ammunitions systems

Saft supplies both silver-zinc and thermal batteries (the latter through ASB, a company owned by both EADS and Saft) for many existing tactical such as Magic, Super530, Mica, Storm-Shadow, the US's Tow, and intercontinental and ballistic missiles (ICBM, SLBM). On the Tow missile Saft has demonstrated that silver-zinc technology can successfully be replaced by Li-ion on the intelligent target acquisition system (ITAS).

Batteries are also needed in peripheral applications such as guidance and target acquisition systems, laser telemetry, tracking systems and night vision goggles, all applications where Saft's lithium batteries are used extensively.

Batteries for underwater warfare

Saft, the world's leading designer and supplier of batteries for electric torpedoes, has developed a range of silver-zinc systems for training and combat torpedoes and has qualified as a supplier for all Western electric-powered torpedoes.

SAFT provides silver oxide magnesium batteries for light torpedoes (US's MK44, Italy's A244).

Saft's leadership strengthens with the emergence of Silver-Oxide Aluminum batteries, which are already in production for the MU90 lightweight torpedo (the market / technology leader in latest-generation 'launch-and-forget' torpedoes). Saft also develops large silver-oxide aluminum batteries for the heavyweight Blackshark / IF21 torpedo. Saft's silver-zinc and Ni-Cd batteries are also used in Seal delivery vehicles and other special underwater equipment.

In addition, lithium battery packs are supplied for sonobuoys, pingers, decoys and sea mines.

Aviation batteries

Saft is also the major supplier to the world's air forces, supplying Ni-Cd batteries for helicopters, trainers, fighters, bombers and other special-purpose aircraft. Saft was selected as supplier of the advanced maintenance-free battery for the US's F-22 stealth fighter.

Lithium Ion studies are in progress to introduce the fundamental features of this technology, reduced weight and freedom from maintenance, a vital benefit to aeronautic applications.

Batteries for emerging military applications

Armies are developing a new concept. Each individual soldier on the battlefield will carry a number of portable features such as a global positioning system, night-vision goggles and a communication system in addition to his/her personal weapon. These features will increase efficiency and survival probability, provided that s/he can carry a safe, reliable power source that does not limit mobility in terms of speed and range. Faced with these application challenges, Saft has developed a range of primary lithium batteries (the LS, LSH, LST, LSX, LO, G and LM ranges) and rechargeable Li-ion batteries based on the MP (prismatic) and VL (cylindrical) cells.

On a totally different scale, a breakthrough in mobility and discretion is expected from the all-electric ship concept, in which propellers are driven by electrical motors. Saft is also involved in new battery technology concept for submarines.

Recent naval catastrophes have demonstrated the interest of operating efficient unmanned / autonomous underwater vehicles. Previously these small submarines have existed either as "fire-and-forget" models (such as mine-hunters and decoys) or wire-guided solutions (with power supplied via a cable); however, needs in rescue, exploration, scientific research and mine-sweeping / disposal are expanding requirements in terms of maneuverability and exploration range. A direct consequence is the removal of wires and use of high-energy batteries (from 4kWh to 50kWh). For instance, the Olister mine disposal system carries one Saft 6kWh Li-ion battery.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attained a new status during the war in Kosovo by efficiently replacing crewed exploration missions in hazardous areas. Saft is using its broad range of products and technologies to propose the most optimized solution for each type of UAV (existing or future).