Archerfish case study
ABSL was selected by BAE Systems (BAE) to provide the power solution for Archerfish, its mine neutralisation vehicle, a system which can be launched from helicopters or surface ships to locate, identify and neutralise undersea mines. BAE Systems is contracted via Prime contractor Raytheon to supply the Archerfish system for the US Navy's Airborne Mine Neutralisation System (AMNS) and will also supply Archerfish as the ship-launched system following its recent designation as the US Navy's standard mine neutraliser.
The Power Challenge
BAE required a power source to power the Archerfish mine neutralisation vehicle, and its onboard video and sonar equipment which allows the system to be operated via a fibre optic and guided to a target. The battery solution is required to deliver the longest possible mission time and manoeuvrability within the space and time restraints of the device and is also required to retain sufficient charge over a 12-month period to complete its mission.
ABSL Power Solution
BAE selected ABSL's rechargeable Lithium-ion technology for Archerfish due to its optimal power density and its lightweight. The superior performance characteristics of the Lithium-ion D cell from ABSL's cell manufacturing business, AGM Batteries Ltd, offered BAE higher power density than equivalent primary lithium cells. What this means for the Archerfish vehicle is that it can find its target and hover, even against stiff underwater currents, before firing its charge.
ABSL was contracted to design, develop, qualify and manufacture the 20.8Ah, 14.8V Lithium-ion battery for the two variants of Archerfish: the expendable device with an explosive warhead and the training device.
