VALDOSTA, Ga., July 23 (UPI) -- High-power batteries for emergency backup power for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter systems are to be produced by advanced battery maker Saft.
The award for the F-35's low-rate initial production contract 6 was given by General Electric Aviation and is worth $6.5 million.
"Working on the F-35 program gives Saft the unique opportunity to advance the role of Li-ion (lithium-ion) solutions in state-of-the-art aircraft," said Thomas Alcide, general manager of Saft's Specialty Battery Group.
"Saft is proud of our long history of remaining at the forefront of U.S. military technology and providing unmatched performance and solutions where batteries are most critical."
Under the award, Saft will produce a high-power battery that provides the backup power for electro-mechanical actuation for the flight control. Each aircraft will be equipped with a set consisting of one Joint Strike Fighter 270V and one JSF 28V battery.
