Saft Awarded $17.5 Million Contract for the Supply of Multiple Batteries for Military Aircraft

Operation Iraqi FreedomSaft has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract from Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime (DLA). Under the contract, totaling $17.5 million, Saft will provide nickel-based batteries and cells for military aircraft applications to be used by the US military.

The DLA is America’s combat and logistics support agency, providing the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, federal agencies and combined allied forces with the full spectrum of logistics, acquisition and technical services. With this agreement, Saft will provide a single interface for the supply of batteries for military aircraft supporting DLA’s customer, the front line troops.

Saft is a leader in providing nickel-based batteries for defense aircraft that boast improved power and energy. The nickel-based batteries for aviation perform exceptionally well in all conditions and provide electrical reliability in extreme temperatures.

Marking continued growing demand for Saft batteries and cells, the sustained supply to DLA demonstrates a strengthened, mutually beneficial and successful relationship. Saft’s deliveries support DLA in its activities positioned alongside the agency’s military customers.

Saft will supply Ultra Low Maintenance Battery (ULM) to support both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircrafts. The nickel-based batteries provide a nominal voltage of 24 volts. The batteries are comprised of leak-proof thermo-welded cells, seam-welded plate tabs and copper cell links and terminals. They are also constructed using superior separator material and a flooded membrane design.

The three-year contract was signed in late March and includes two, one-year options periods that may be exercised by the US Government, increasing the contract period to five years. Deliveries are set to begin this year.