Integration Trade Study for Prussian Blue Sodium Ion Batteries for Directed Energy Weapon Systems.

The US faces a wide array of threats across various global and regional domains, hypersonic missiles and UAS are growing in power and capability. To strengthen US deterrence against these threats, directed energy weapon systems continue to be a growing capability. The rapid employment of cheap unmanned aerial vehicles by adversaries are making an even stronger case for DE weapons.Lasers and high-power microwave (HPM) sources are cost effective defense strategies that must be more widely fielded soon!  Even as DE sources are improving rapidly, energy storage capabilities in support of DE operations continue to lag requirements for the DE systems. The lagging is not from a lack of feasible technology but more from a lack of investment by the DoD.Technology development in the battery industry has sought to maximize both energy density and power density.  However, continued work improving power density is limited by fundamental physics within the battery chemistry.  Internal resistance, flammability of materials, and losses within the material structure of the anode and cathodes continue to improve, but gains are incremental.The incremental gains in energy and power density within battery technologies have created an opportunity for high power density batteries. There is now a disruptive, emerging battery technology specifically designed to maximize power density applications.  This new technology offers a solution for industrial and defense applications where high-power density, high survivability, and high reliability are more critical than energy density.By shifting the focus from energy density to power density, a battery technology with some unique performance specifications has been developed. These cells have long life, unmatched power delivery and recharge times, no reliance on critical materials or foreign supply chains, as well as improved safety performance.This new technology is a critical addition to improve national defense and readiness.  The technology is proven, manufacturable, and ready for demonstration in the military operating environment.  This technology will enhance warfighter outcomes, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and enhance mission capabilities.