AEA Battery Systems to power Ultra’s Sonobuoys
25th May 2005
AEA Battery Systems (AEA) has signed a long-term supply contract to provide portable power to Ultra Electronics’ (Ultra) Sonar and Communication Systems business for sonobuoys in its long-term partnering contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Pictured are Phil Evans and Mike Stickland of Ultra alongside Paul Brown, Rob Spurrett and Dave Goodwin of AEA at the launch of the relationship which took place at RAF Kinloss on 18th May 2005.
The 10-year contract worth £6.9 million underlines the commitment of Ultra Electronics and AEA to developing long-term supplier relationships aimed at delivering value-for-money solutions to the MoD using the principles of Smart Acquisition.
Under the contract, AEA will supply Lithium primary batteries for Ultra’s HIDAR, CAMBS, and BARRA range of sonobuoys, all of which are ruggedly constructed and built to withstand gravity launch and heavy vibration, typical of use on the Nimrod MR2, Merlin and Nimrod MRA4 aircraft.
Paul Brown, Managing Director, AEA Battery Systems commented:
"By establishing a long-term relationship with a key customer such as Ultra Electronics, AEA is able to offer value-for-money tailored power solutions to meet the precise requirements of Ultra’s products. The contract with Ultra Electronics is another example of our ability to deliver high-powered, robust and reliable power solutions for the military market."
Phil Evans, Director of Surveillance Systems for Ultra said:
"The dynamics of the defence industry demand that we, as major suppliers to MoD, become smarter, and deliver more cost-effective product solutions. Our partnership with AEA will enable us to deliver value now and continue to develop power systems apace with our own product development into the future."
AEA Battery Systems offers unique cradle-to-grave power management solutions based on the exacting requirements of its demanding customers.
Further Information
For more information please contact:
Catriona Watson, AEA Battery Systems, 01847 808 000, .
Notes to Editors
AEA Battery Systems
AEA Battery Systems designs, develops and manufactures the world’s most advanced portable power systems for markets where performance and reliability are critical. Its reputation and world-leading Lithium-ion cell technology derives from its pioneering role in the invention of Lithium-ion technology and the combination of world-leading rechargeable cells, intelligent battery packs and smart charging units.
AEA has an unparalleled heritage in the battery marketplace. In the 1970’s, AEA invented Lithium-ion electrode technology. In the 1990’s, this technology was licensed to every major battery manufacturer in the world including Sony, Sanyo and Panasonic. It was this technology that revolutionized the consumer electronics market, fuelling the proliferation of laptops and mobile phones in the mid 1990s.
AEA Battery Systems’ pioneering record includes the development of the battery for the first spacecraft to use Lithium-ion technology. AEA Battery Systems was also selected by NASA to develop a Lithium-ion powered version of the Auxiliary Hydraulic Power System for the Space Shuttle. In the military sector, our batteries are powering the UK MoD’s new BOWMAN Communications system, which represents the first large-scale deployment of Lithium-ion for operational use.
AEA continues to invest in new technology, this year establishing Europe’s only Lithium-ion battery recycling facility at Golspie, Sutherland, UK. In other sectors, AEA supplies batteries for the Aerospace, Marine and Medical markets where reliable power is essential for mission success.
AEA Battery Systems employs 200 employees including some of the world's leading Lithium-ion scientists. The business operates on three sites in the UK from its headquarters in Thurso, Caithness. The main battery pack production is centred in Thurso, whilst battery chargers are manufactured in Glengarnock, near Glasgow and custom products are developed in Culham, Oxfordshire. The Culham site also houses an R&D team focussing on fundamental electrochemical research into Lithium-ion technologies. AEA Battery Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Technology plc.
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