AUBURN, Ala., 1 Feb. 2006. Arotech Corp. announced today the receipt of an order valued over $700,000 from the U.S. Army's Communications and Electronic Command (CECOM).
The order for the BA-8140/U zinc-air battery along with adapters for the Javelin guided missile launcher, the M22 ACADA chemical detector and the SatCom radio, all belonging to Arotech's Electric Fuel subsidiary, follows the successful introduction of the new lightweight battery by the Army through a recently received initial order. The new battery will be used by the Army to power MBITR radios and other 12-volt applications.
Zinc-air batteries are considerably safer in combat situations, lighter for extended missions, more economical and more environmentally friendly than lithium batteries.
"This second substantial order for these recently-released products is further indication of the growing acceptance of Zinc-Air as a portable energy solution of choice with our warfighters," said Graydon Hansen, president and general manager of Arotech's Electric Fuel Battery Corp. subsidiary.
Arotech is the sole supplier of zinc-air batteries to the U.S. Army and has delivered tens of thousands of its BA-8180/U zinc-air batteries to date. The new Electric Fuel BA-8140/U zinc-air battery is a 12 volt, 400 watt-hour, non-rechargeable battery pack, approximately half the size and weight of the BA-8180/U. The BA-8140/U battery complements the existing BA-8180/U battery, each serving different applications. Both batteries serve as mission extenders by having a higher energy density.
"This follow-on order was received within a short time after the initial order for our new lightweight batteries, reinforcing our leadership in zinc-air technology," said Robert S. Ehrlich, chairman and CEO of Arotech. "We are committed to continuing to serve the Army with a safe and cost-effective technology that enhances the soldiers' extended mission capabilities."
Arotech's Battery and Power Systems Division is a leading provider of zinc-air and rechargeable batteries and chargers for defense and security products and other military applications. Arotech develops and produces high power zinc-air batteries and is believed to be the sole supplier of this technology to the US military. In addition, Arotech develops high-end primary and secondary batteries and associated chargers and has vast experience in working with government agencies, the military and large corporations. The division also pioneers advancements in zinc-air technology for electric vehicles.
The Battery and Power Systems Division consists of Electric Fuel Battery Corporation, Electric Fuel Ltd., and Epsilor Electronic Industries Ltd.
Arotech Corp. is a leading provider of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland security markets, including multimedia interactive simulators/trainers, lightweight armoring and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries and chargers. Arotech operates through three major business divisions: armor, simulation and security, and battery and power systems.
Arotech is incorporated in Delaware, with corporate offices in Auburn, Ala., and research, development and production subsidiaries in Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, California and Israel. For more information, see www.arotech.com.
