EaglePicher issued the following news release today:
EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, an EaglePicher company, today announced it has received a $3.92 million defense contract as part of the 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill. The appropriation was granted by Congressman Roy Blunt, R-Mo.
The $3.92 million will fund EaglePicher's continued research and development of advanced lithium-carbon monoflouride (Li-CFx) combat portable batteries for the United States Army. The government defense contract specifically supports a development effort to reduce the battery's internal impedance resulting in a higher discharge rate capability.
The change from the current lithium-sulfur dioxide (Li-SO2) system to a Li-CFx system in batteries such as the BA-5590 will reduce some of the burdens on today's soldier - battery power and how much weight to carry while on patrol. Successful research and development on CFx systems will produce a lighter weight battery and one with a higher magnitude of increased amp-hour capacity versus Li-SO2. The very low self discharge rate of this system, coupled with the much increased battery capacity,
translates into a much longer runtime meaning the soldier would not have to discard a battery and obtain a fresh one for every daily mission. With a shelf life greater than ten years, the logistics of battery handling and warehouse storage could be significantly improved.
Once demonstrated, CFx technology could be transitioned into other classes of batteries to bring similar benefits to a wider grouping of the family of batteries used by the U.S. Army.
"We're pleased to have the support of Congressman Blunt and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense," said Steve Westfall, EaglePicher Technologies president. "EaglePicher has decades of experience with Li-CFx technology, so this advanced research and development fits nicely with our
core competencies.
"This partnership proves EaglePicher's commitment to being at the
forefront of the government's technology development efforts," he
continued. "Ultimately, the benefit to the soldier means more battery
energy, lighter weight, a safer battery system and longer shelf life
storage without deterioration."
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