Advanced Batteries for Military Applications

Introduction

The U.S. military is the largest consumer of natural resources in the world, a fact that provides significant impetus for research and development (R&D) activities toward discovering better means of storing energy. The potential exists to dramatically reduce the fuel consumption of military operations, and advanced batteries represent a crucial innovation to these ends. However, the primary driver for innovation in this area by the military is the changing nature of military operations and the use of advanced communications technologies, unmanned vehicles, and advanced weaponry - nearly all of which necessitate advanced energy storage systems.

Recognizing these needs, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), along with each branch of the military, is pursuing research for advanced battery innovation to serve a wide variety of end-uses. Advanced battery innovation is the subject of R&D efforts funded by the White House, special projects at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and research labs under the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. In the next 5 to 10 years, the military seeks to develop high-voltage battery cells through materials science research and to ultimately develop solid-state battery systems that will be lightweight and energy dense.

This research brief details the U.S. military's efforts to advance battery technology, examining the history of military battery use, the relation of advanced batteries and military energy security, and specific military applications, including unmanned aircraft systems. Key players focusing on advanced battery technology for military applications are listed along with competing technologies being reviewed for power and propulsion systems. Conclusions and recommendations for battery developers and suppliers are also provided.

Key Questions Addressed:

• How does the U.S. military use batteries?
• What are the key military applications for advanced batteries?
• In what ways does the military contribute to advanced battery innovation?
• What are the leading technologies driving interest in advanced batteries for the military?
• How much R&D funding has the military contributed to advanced batteries?
• Who are some of the key players influencing U.S. military battery innovation?
• What are the key conclusions and recommendations for battery developers and suppliers?

Who needs this report?

• Battery manufacturers and component suppliers
• Battery industry associations
• Emerging battery technology companies and integrators
• Government agencies and policymakers
• Investor community

Pike Research's industry analysts utilize a variety of research sources in preparing Research Reports. The key component of Pike Research's analysis is primary research gained from phone and in-person interviews with industry leaders including executives, engineers, and marketing professionals. Analysts are diligent in ensuring that they speak with representatives from every part of the value chain, including but not limited to technology companies, utilities and other service providers, industry associations, government agencies, and the investment community.

Additional analysis includes secondary research conducted by Pike Research's analysts and its staff of research assistants. Where applicable, all secondary research sources are appropriately cited within the Pike Research's reports.

These primary and secondary research sources, combined with the analyst's industry expertise, are synthesized into the qualitative and quantitative analysis presented in Pike Research's reports. Great care is taken in making sure that all analysis is well-supported by facts, but where the facts are unknown and assumptions must be made, analysts document their assumptions and are prepared to explain their methodology, both within the body of a report and in direct conversations with clients.

Pike Research, a part of Navigant Consulting's global Energy Practice, is a market research and consulting team that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of these industry sectors

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Update

• 2.1. Enhancing Military Operations with Advanced Batteries
• 2.2. History of Batteries in the U.S. Military
• 2.3. Military Energy Security and Advanced Batteries
  • 2.3.1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    • 2.3.1.1. Battery Innovation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• 2.4. Competing Technologies
• 2.5. Battery Innovation through the Military-Industrial Complex
• 2.6. Key Commercial Entities in the Military Innovation Ecosystem

3. Conclusions and Recommendations

• Selected Key Players in the Defense Industry
• Government Funding for Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Mass Specific Power Trends

Advanced Batteries for Military Applications published by Navigant Research (formerly Pike Research) in February 6, 2013. This report consists of 10 Pages and the price starts from US $ 1500.