General Atomics’ electromagnetic systems business has landed a contract from Advanced Technology International to create and test a battery system that will support a U.S. Navy unmanned undersea vehicle.
The company said Monday it will produce Lithium-Ion Fault Tolerant prototype batteries that will power the propulsion and support systems of the military service’s Snakehead large-displacement unmanned watercraft.
Rolf Ziesing, vice president of programs at General Atomics’ electromagnetic systems, said LiFT batteries are equipped with passive safety systems and are designed to streamline maintenance, installation and operability functions.
The battery system works to mitigate lithium-ion cell failures and maintain power levels to support missions and reinforce warfighter safety.
The company also received a contract in 2018 to develop LiFT batteries that will help power the U.S. Special Operations Command’s undersea platforms.