COCKEYSVILLE, Md., 30 May 2007.Saft, designer and manufacturer of high-technology batteries, won a $23.4 million multiyear contract with Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS) for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. This contract expands on a previous agreement with Saft to supply battlefield power for the tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missile (TOW) improved target acquisition system (ITAS) used by the U.S. military.
Saft's Li-ion batteries will power the surveillance, target acquisition, and fire control system for the TOW missile. Saft is the sole supplier of Li-ion batteries for Raytheon NCS and began delivering the order in March.
The rechargeable 28-volt battery packs, based on Saft's high-energy VLE series cylindrical cells with electronic control systems and health-monitoring software, are deployed widely in U.S. Army missions.
Li-ion batteries were selected to replace silver-zinc batteries because Li-ion provides a longer lifetime and has a lower life cycle cost than other chemistries.
The ITAS program is an upgrade from the current target acquisition and fire control subsystem, providing better target recognition range and hit performance for the TOW missile. The ITAS provides enhanced features, including automatic boresighting capability, aided target tracking, embedded training, and many other features that contribute to crew survivability with an increased standoff range and improved battlefield performance.
