The Defense Logistics Agency Awards Saft a Warstopper Contract to Power Communications Devices for the US Military
09 November 2005
Saft, a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries, announced today that it was awarded a $6.5 million contract (Warstopper Program) from the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to enhance capability to respond with high quantities of BA 5590 batteries during an emergency.
The contract will invest in both logistical materials and equipment upgrades to shorten the time required to meet the needs of soldiers during in-theater situations.
The BA 5590 battery is the US military's most widely used portable energy source, powering many types of communications devices used in combat throughout the armed services. With this contract, Saft will be able to produce the current BA 5590 batteries at a faster rate than before. These changes will also allow Saft to produce the BA 5590 high capacity version, that provides the soldier with 20 percent more capacity in the same size package.
"Our portable lithium batteries have been fielded more than any other power source in the current conflict in the Middle East - just as they were during the first Gulf War," said Ben Helminen, sales director for Saft's Specialty Battery Group. "Saft was the largest and most reliable producer of the BA 5590 battery product family (including both the 5590 and 5390) during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, in which we produced more BA 5590 batteries, at a quicker rate than all other 5590 product family battery suppliers together."
This contract strengthens Saft's position to supply batteries for soldiers in the field in a timely manner, and maintains Saft's role as a leading supplier for the US military for the future. Currently, the primary product relied upon by the US military is the lithium sulfur dioxide battery (LiS02). This battery has been powering communications applications for more than 10 years. It is the only lithium technology currently available with a significant proven record in combat situations; it also is the most cost-effective solution on the market.
Saft produces more than 100 different high-performance lithium batteries for other military and commercial applications.
In Saft's Valdese facility, three versions of the BA 5590 battery are produced: lithium sulfur dioxide (LiS02), lithium manganese dioxide (LiMN02)and rechargeable lithium (Li-ion). The Valdese site has been producing lithium batteries for over 20 years and has extensive experience in developing technologies for portable applications. The plant is also a major supplier of high-performance lithium batteries to militaries around the world.
