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L3Harris has achieved a significant milestone, delivering the first production of autonomous undersea vehicles powered by lithium-ion passive propagation resistant batteries certified for use on US submarines.
These rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries enable the torpedo-tube launched and recovered Iver4 900 autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) to perform multiple sorties with minimal footprint in the torpedo room.
L3Harris partnered with the US Navy to implement a Navy-designed, fault-tolerant Li-ion passive propagation resistant (PPR) battery pack technology based on NASA’s spacesuit design. This collaboration has facilitated the use of Li-ion PPR battery packs in Iver4 900 AUVs deployed on US submarines.
The battery packs offer double the endurance of previously approved single-use, lower energy density batteries, a critical enhancement for torpedo-tube launch-and recovery (TTL&R) operations.
The Iver4 900 Li-ion PPR battery packs, manufactured by Inventus Power, incorporate a modified version of L3Harris’ Iver4 900 Battery Management System (BMS).
Li-ion batteries are the preferred choice for portable energy storage due to their high energy density and superior performance. They deliver greater energy capacity in a scalable design, higher discharge rates and longer lifespans, typically lasting 8–10 years compared to other battery types with three to five years.
They can be recharged more frequently and at faster rates, with significantly higher energy density to support extended operation. Moreover, Li-ion batteries provide enhanced stability, making them indispensable for time-critical, high-utilisation applications.
As the Navy’s focus on unmanned platforms grows, the need for robust energy solutions has become more pressing. Modern technologies requiring substantial power are being integrated and the safe use of Li-ion batteries marks a pivotal advancement in unmanned systems technology.
In 2023, L3Harris became the first to achieve fully autonomous, repeatable launch and recovery of an AUV from an underway submarine. As the company expanded TTL&R capabilities for operational missions, L3Harris collaborated with the Navy to develop hybrid (manned-unmanned) operational concepts, incorporating Li-ion PPR batteries for submarine use.
