12.10.2008: A substantial increase in the life expectancy of the Antares 20E Battery.
The life expectancy of the Antares 20E drive battery is determined by the number of cycles and the natural chemical aging:
The capacity of a battery diminishes with the number of charge-discharge cycles it undergoes. According to the latest knowledge, the battery will withstand more than 3000 SAE cycles. One SAE cycle consists of a full charge, and a discharge down to 20% of battery capacity. A partial discharge / charge counts as an equivalent partial SAE cycle. After 3000 SAE cycles, the battery will have 80% of it's original capacity. For the pilot, this means that the Antares 20E drive battery will yield approximately 6.480.000 m (21.260.000 ft) climb altitude before it should be replaced.
More relevant to the practical application is the natural chemical aging of the battery. If the battery is stored at an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), then it is advised to change the battery after 20 years. At this point the battery will have a remaining capacity of 80% of the original capacity.
The drive battery of the Antares 20E consists of 72 single cells of the type SAFT VL41M. The battery operates at a voltage range of 212 to 288 Volt, and delivers a current of up to 160 Amperes.
As a user of SAFT VL41M cells, Lange Aviation is in good company. SAFT VL41M are also used in most new European satellites, the RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV, the F35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Airbus A380 and in many other high-tech applications.
Next to being a great vote of confidence to SAFT VL41M cells, the military implementations mean that the cells which are now being built into the Antares 20E will be available at least until 2031.
The battery will also be used by the propulsion system of the self launching Schempp-Hirth Arcus E. The propulsion system for the Arcus E is based upon the proven propulsion for the Antares 20E, and it will be installed by Lange Aviation.
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