• • • DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY • • •
POWERING DEFENCE ELECTRONICS ON LAND AND SEA BY ROBERT BROWN,
COMPANY SPOKESPERSON, ULTRALIFE CORPORATION
n the world’s most demanding operational environments, battery technology plays a critical role in keeping personnel, vehicles and mission-critical electronics functioning when failure is not an option. From the physical demands placed on dismounted soldiers to the extreme pressures encountered by underwater vehicles, modern defence batteries must do far more than store energy. They must deliver reliable power while balancing weight and environmental resilience. The modern dismounted soldier relies on an extensive array of electronic equipment, including radios, navigation systems, sensors, targeting devices and situational-awareness tools. While these technologies enhance effectiveness and survivability, they also add significant weight to the soldier’s load. Reducing the weight of individual components, particularly batteries, can improve mobility, reduce fatigue and lessen the risk of long- term musculoskeletal injuries.
I One way to address this is through wearable
battery systems capable of powering multiple devices from a single energy source. Batteries such as Ultralife’s UBBL72 can be used alongside a power manager that distributes power safely and efficiently across multiple connected devices. This reduces battery count, simplifies logistics and helps lower the overall weight burden placed on the soldier.
Built for the conditions Meeting power and weight requirements is only part of the challenge. Defense batteries must also perform reliably across a wide range of operating conditions. Temperature is a particularly
important consideration because batteries naturally generate heat during discharge. In hot climates, this additional heat can significantly increase cell temperatures. For example, where ambient temperatures regularly approach 38°C (100°F), engineers may specify batteries capable of operating at 50°C (122°F) or higher to maintain dependable performance throughout a mission. Equally, batteries intended for deployment in cold environments must continue delivering sufficient voltage and power despite reduced electrochemical activity at lower temperatures. Environmental protection is another critical
factor. Defense equipment is routinely exposed to dust, moisture, heavy rain, vibration and mechanical shock. Robust enclosure designs, effective sealing methods and protected electrical interfaces help safeguard batteries and associated electronics, extending operational life and reducing maintenance requirements.
Beneath the surface
Many of the design considerations that apply to batteries carried by dismounted soldiers also apply to those used in subsea vehicles. Robust enclosure designs help protect cells and electronics from harsh operating conditions, while reliable performance across a wide temperature range remains essential. However, the operating environment is very different, requiring batteries to resist corrosion from prolonged exposure to seawater and withstand the immense hydrostatic pressures found at depth. Without appropriate protection from corrosion and water pressure, enclosures may become deformed, internal components damaged and overall system performance compromised.
Direct-in-water power Historically, subsea batteries were often housed in pressure vessels because conventional batteries and electronics could not reliably withstand the
30 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2026
extreme pressures encountered at depth. While effective, these protective enclosures added weight, consumed valuable space and increased system complexity and cost. Modern pressure- tolerant battery modules are designed to operate direct-in-water, reducing the need for heavy protective structures and giving vehicle designers greater flexibility.
The modularity further enhances this flexibility. Multiple battery modules can be connected in series or parallel to meet specific voltage, capacity and power requirements, allowing manufacturers to tailor power systems to different platforms and mission profiles. It also means that modules can be added or removed as available space or weight limitations within the vehicle change. In addition to performance, size and weight characteristics, subsea battery systems must accommodate a wide range of temperature conditions. Discharge temperature ranges spanning -20°C to +60°C help account for both internal heat generation during operation and cold temperatures encountered during storage, transport and deployment. Careful thermal management helps maintain cell efficiency, preserve battery health and support long-term reliability in demanding subsea environments. Ultimately, there is no universal battery solution for defense applications. The requirements of a dismounted soldier, who may need to power up to 80 electronic devices simultaneously, vary considerably from those of an autonomous underwater vehicle thousands of meters below the ocean’s surface. Success depends on selecting and engineering battery systems around the realities of each application. By combining high energy density, environmental resilience, intelligent power management and application-specific design, modern battery technology enables the defense capabilities that personnel and platforms depend on daily.
www.ultralifecorporation.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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