SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The MQ-9 UAS delivers a wide range of mission-critical functions including precision strike, targeting, and ISR in support of U.S. military forces. This multi-mission capability places MQ-9 platforms in extremely high demand with missions running around the clock. Accordingly, any routine maintenance requirements or reliability issues represent a substantial threat to military readiness and mission effectiveness. The MQ-9 currently employs a NiCd battery which has 28 day maintenance interval and reliability issues that contribute to aircraft downtime. In addition, the NiCd battery has a very poor specific energy of 40-50 Wh/kg at the cell level which translates to roughly one-fifth the energy of a comparable weight lithium ion battery. In order to reduce aircraft downtime and sustainment costs, an upgraded battery pack is needed to ensure the MQ-9 maintains relevance through the remainder of its service life. The upgraded battery must provide a one year maintenance interval, improve size, weight, power, and cost, meet transportation and safety requirements in accordance with UN DOT 38.3, Navy Instruction 9310, and MIL-STD-810, and provide a close form/fit/function replacement to avoid significant aircraft design changes. In the Phase I, CRG developed a battery design and showed technical feasibility of that design. In Phase II, CRG intends to further refine the battery design, improving the thermo-mechanical and electrical design for the system. CRG will construct subsystem and system level prototypes of the battery. These prototypes will undergo performance and safety testing in a laboratory and operational ready environment. CRG will evaluate the program risks and operational logistics of incorporating battery design into operational use. CRG will develop a plan to transition this battery into further development and eventually operational use.
