USN orders shipboard energy storage system from DRS
Future laser-equipped USN vessels will require a different kind of onboard power storage system. (Image: USNI/Lockheed Martin)
More efficient and adaptable onboard energy storage is required to cope with the new generation of power-hungry weapon systems and sensors aboard USN vessels.
DRS Naval Power Systems is to design, build, test and deliver an LRIP multi-application shipboard energy magazine for the USN, the DoD announced on 22 April.
Work on the baseline $24.46 million contract from Naval Sea Systems Command (worth up to $72.76 million with options) is expected to be completed by April 2027.
The energy magazine is intended to provide mission-adaptable flexibility for future and existing ship classes and weapons systems, by separating the interface between power electronics and batteries.
As envisaged by the USN, the energy magazine is a common, modular, scalable family of power conversion modules with a closely coupled energy storage subsystem used across multiple mission systems, including high-power pulsed weapons and sensors as well as an uninterruptable power supply capability.
In its January 2019 RfI for the energy magazine, the USN stated that it is ‘interested in the applications for higher-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) wideband gap devices and how they improve power electronics performance.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
