Lithium Batteries for Strategic Missile Flight Testing

Lithium Technology Corporation has developed lithium ion batteries to replace silver-zinc in launch vehicle applications. These batteries utilize LTC's high-rate battery technology that also targets HEV applications for other military and commercial use. These batteries benefit from innovative cell design as well as innovative manufacturing processes for high-rate lithium ion batteries, comprising novel methods of current collector tab formation and cell sealing operations. These processes enabled LTC to sample HEV battery modules to USABC and EUCar and cells to aerospace companies and NASA. This program may utilize electrodes made with an extrusion/lamination process - exclusively available to LTC through its subsidiary in Germany. These electrodes significantly reduce cost since the production equipment enables minimal use of excipient materials and requires lower capital investment. Lockheed Martin and other customers have ordered production lots to evaluate product reliability and high-rate performance. LTC proposes to adapt its HEV 36V/7Ah battery module, composed of 7Ah Double-D cells [DD7, 320g] to the required 34V-25V for the first application [<5kg, capable of 210A peak]. For the second application, LTC proposes to substitute its high-rate 3Ah D cells [180g] for the DD7 cells [<2kg, capable of 30A peak]. LTC will provide BMS electronics, interconnects and prototype battery housing.