Robust powering capabilities from Lincad ensure the future of electrification of military vehicles across land, sea and air
The world is seeing changes in the way that conflict plays out across land, sea and air like never before. Rapidly advancing innovations in technology are resulting in more powerful, robust and versatile armoured vehicles, weapon systems, sensors and other heavy-duty military applications. As these advances arrive and enter regular use in the field, so demand rises for reliable, sophisticated batteries, chargers and power management systems that will keep them operational in multiple demanding situations.
Hybrid and fully electric military vehicles must be equipped with the right kind of power systems to give their commanders confidence they can deliver exactly what is needed at exactly the right time. Where military vehicles have traditionally relied on the combustion engine, electric vehicle (EV) technology is taking a firm hold in the arena and armed forces are keen to leverage the benefits of this. Alongside the integration of more traditional EV technology within the land domain, batteries are proving hugely beneficial across both sea and air.
The electrification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) allows operations to be commanded from distance. Electrification also ensures quieter powertrains for stealth and protection on the move, and more rapid acceleration. In addition, electric vehicles require less maintenance and reduce a military unit’s reliance on fossil fuels, whose transportation can be vulnerable to attacks.
Rising oil prices and increased restrictions placed on vehicle emissions are having a significant impact on how military vehicles are being designed, procured and operated. The perennial drive towards lower carbon footprints, energy efficiency and more sustainable operations in the military sector makes it clear why we are seeing this current rise in demand for hybrid and fully electric solutions.
As a consequence of the drive towards electrification, Lincad is currently seeing healthy growth in sales of its military-grade, rechargeable batteries, chargers and power management systems for defence and security applications.
Operating for nearly 40 years, the team at Lincad designs and manufactures lithium-ion batteries and charging systems requiring military-grade performance. Lincad’s engineers work from concept design to final production, aided by facilities such as 3D printing for rapid prototyping, a pick-and-place machine for PCB population, and comprehensive test expertise to ensure compliance with military standards. Following many years of experience working with the UK Ministry of Defence, Lincad also designs and manufactures products for other international armed forces and defence and security organisations around the world.
Lincad’s solutions for the military arena range from a single-cell battery designed to power a small handheld radio to a multi-cell modular battery system to provide propulsion power for remotely operated platforms.
Janet Rowe, Joint Managing Director at Lincad explains: “We have long prided ourselves on our experience and expertise in supporting global military organisations with their power management requirements. Recent developments have seen Lincad developing solutions at ever-increasing scales to support the electrification of a range of platforms across the land, sea and air domains. Whatever the future holds for large-scale military batteries, we’ll be ready and waiting!