The rise of single-use drones is transforming warfare and making waves inside the Pentagon. These one use drones are almost always expendable and unlikely to come back after their first run. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) technology has rapidly surged to meet operational demand. Batteries are key to making sure these devices work and improve our lives.
Not needing rechargeable batteries makes the design and use of these drones on the battlefield much simpler. Rather than drawing energy from solar panels, these shifting vehicles depend on non-rechargeable batteries to keep critical systems—including radio control and flight stabilization—operational. Modern technology has placed new demands on power, with more complex sensors and systems all included on these UAVs. This emphasis on battery technology has been brought into sharp relief. Specifically, it shines a light on lithium-based non-rechargeable batteries, which are powering immediate energy concerns in the drone space.
Advancements in Battery Technology
Ultralife is a global manufacturer, designer and supplier of batteries, communications and electronics systems and services for government defense applications. The company has produced astounding breakthroughs in this area. The company recently rolled out its flagship XX90 batteries, which have received widespread acclaim for their high efficiency and output. These batteries are an ideal match for single-use drones, efficiently delivering high-energy propulsion system energy.
Ultralife has a heavy handprint on many military programs, including the large Land Warrior soldier modernization program. This engagement underscores their commitment to leading change in battlefield technology. By focusing on the specific needs of military personnel, Ultralife aims to ensure that drones can perform optimally under rigorous conditions.
The progress in battery technology since the 1940s serves to underscore the considerable energy breakthroughs that have forged a new reality today. At that time, non-rechargeable batteries were still in their infancy. Things like alkaline chemistry, though, laid the groundwork for these major breakthroughs to come. Early alkaline batteries weren’t as energy dense as today’s lithium batteries. This drawback is especially crippling for single-use drones, which require lightweight and highly efficient power sources to perform well in their missions.
Power Requirements of Modern Drones
With every battlefield conflict, the operational demands placed on single-use drones have grown as military technology leaps ahead. Today’s operational drones need to carry more power-hungry systems including guidance, navigation and communications, just to name a few. That requires batteries that can provide high-energy high output sustained energy output, in a small package.
Ultralife’s lithium-based non-rechargeable batteries have proven to be the answer to these issues. When controlled under advanced thermal management, they can deliver sustained power of 20 amps. This new capability is key to ensuring the persistent performance of today’s drones—and more advanced missions ahead.
In addition, the movement toward lithium technology has solved prior constraints on energy density and efficiency. Their capacity to provide high levels of power without the need to recharge enables these batteries to be highly beneficial in both short-term and long-term uses. Joint and Coalition operations have resulted in military operations increasingly utilizing UAVs for tactical and strategic engagements. This transition fuels an immediate, insatiable market for safe and robust battery technologies.
The Future of Drone Technology
As military strategies modernize in real time, the importance of single-use drones will only increase. Their dependence on advanced battery technology will play a critical role in maintaining operational lethality across varied theaters of operation. Ultralife’s investments and innovations in this space are proof of a market gaining momentum in its understanding of how vital a stout power solution is to today’s dynamic battlefield.