AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters are mission

 AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters are mission‐ready for the UK MOD with Saft high‐tech batteries. 62 Lynx Wildcat helicopters destined for the British Army and Royal Navy are being equipped with Saft ULM® nickel‐based batteries to ensure reliable engine starting and electrical systems back‐up Paris, June 18, 2013 – Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced batteries for industry and for aviation applications, is supplying state‐
of‐the‐art on‐board battery systems to AgustaWestland for the UK Ministry of Defence’s new AW159 Lynx Wildcat multi‐role helicopters. The battery systems, based on Saft’s Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM®) nickel‐based batteries, support critical functions on the AW159 such as emergency back‐up power, as well as starting the two Turboshaft engines. The AW159 is the latest twin‐engine multi‐role, maritime and utility aircraft developed as a successor to the AgustaWestland Lynx family of helicopters that has successfully met the needs of many operators for more than thirty years. Designated the Lynx Wildcat by the UK MOD, the AW159 will replace the current Lynx helicopter in maritime combatant, land utility and reconnaissance roles. 34 Lynx Wildcats are in the process of delivery to the British Army – entering operational service in 2014, while 28 are being delivered to the Royal Navy – entering operational service in 2015. Saft has developed the AW159 battery system to provide a robust and ruggedized solution to ensure total reliability while operating in the exceptionally demanding battlefield and maritime conditions experienced by military helicopters, including high vibration levels and extreme temperatures, with the added challenge of the harsh direct turbine starting curves. The Saft ULM batteries were identified by AgustaWestland as offering the ideal combination of high performance, low weight, ultra‐low maintenance requirements and long life essential for helicopter operations. “Supplying the battery systems for this vital military helicopter platform upgrade program is an important development that reinforces Saft’s position as a key supplier of high‐tech batteries for the military aviation market. We look forward to working with AgustaWestland to support the AW159 helicopters not only during the introduction phase but throughout their anticipated 40‐year service life.” says Bernard Weber, Saft Aviation Sales & Marketing Director. The battery system developed by Saft for the AW159 comprises 20 Saft CVH500KA ULM cells, providing a nominal 24 V and 50 Ah capacity. N° 31-13
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About Saft Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li‐ion technologies which are also being deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication markets. Saft’s 4,000 employees present in 18 countries, its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com Press Contacts: Saft Groupe Jill Ledger, Saft ‐ Corporate Communication and Institutional Relations Director Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e‐mail: [email protected] Catherine Jouatel, Saft ‐ Corporate Communication Manager Tel.: + 33 1 49 93 17 68, e‐mail: [email protected] Andrew Bartlett, Six Degrees, Tel: + 44 (0) 1628 480280, e‐mail: [email protected] FTI Consulting Strategic Communications Caroline Guilhaume, Tél.: +33 1 47 03 68 10, [email protected] Astrid VILLETTE, Tel: ++33 1 47 03 69 51, [email protected] N° 31-13
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