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Saft Wins Major Contract from DCNS for Electrochemical Stacks for F21 Heavy Torpedoes

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Naval Defense Industry News - France
 
 
 
Saft Wins Major Contract from DCNS for Electrochemical Stacks for F21 Heavy Torpedoes
 
Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has been awarded a multi-million Euro torpedo electrochemical stacks contract by DCNS, a world leader in naval defense and an innovative player in energy. Under this long-term contract, Saft will supply silver oxide-aluminium (AgO-Al) electrochemical stacks for PB-61 powering heavyweight F21 torpedoes.
     
Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has been awarded a multi-million Euro torpedo electrochemical stacks contract by DCNS, a world leader in naval defense and an innovative player in energy. Under this long-term contract, Saft will supply silver oxide-aluminium (AgO-Al) electrochemical stacks for PB-61 powering heavyweight F21 torpedoes.
A submarine fires two F21 heavy torpedoes
Artist Impression: DCNS
     
DCNS has designed the F21 to be the most advanced torpedo on the world market, and the high energy density AgO-Al seawater activated primary electrochemical stack supplied by Saft delivers the high power essential to achieve a high maximum speed over an extended range.

The F21 has a range greater than 50 km and a top speed in excess of 90 km/h. The AgO-Al electrochemical stacks deliver the high power essential to achieve a high maximum speed over an extended range and propel the 1.6 ton, 6 m long and 0.53 m diameter torpedo at different depths without any degradation. The electrochemical stack also powers the onboard electronic control and guidance.
     
Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has been awarded a multi-million Euro torpedo electrochemical stacks contract by DCNS, a world leader in naval defense and an innovative player in energy. Under this long-term contract, Saft will supply silver oxide-aluminium (AgO-Al) electrochemical stacks for PB-61 powering heavyweight F21 torpedoes.
F21 Heavy Torpedo scale model
     
AgO-Al battery technology is unique to Saft and was developed with DCNS specifically to propel heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes. It delivers twice as much energy and power as conventional silver-zinc batteries for the same mass and volume. The AgO-Al cell chemistry is a primary battery chemistry that is only activated when it comes into contact with seawater – which acts as the electrolyte - meaning that it is fully safe for long-term storage in submarines.

‘This latest contract to supply electrochemical stacks for the F21 torpedo is further consolidation of Saft’s near-30-year relationship with DCNS and cements Saft as the world leader in electric propulsion batteries for heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes’ said Serge Fouilhaux, Director of Saft’s Space & Defence Specialty Battery Group. ‘Silver oxide-aluminium electrochemical stacks are unique to Saft and offer unrivalled performance, reliability and safety for torpedo applications.’

In a separate contract, Saft has also supplies rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to DCNS to power unarmed exercise torpedoes. Unlike the single-use AgO-Al batteries, the Saft Li-ion batteries can be recharged when the torpedo is recovered after firing, providing very cost-effective power for training exercises.