USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) passes under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to its new San Diego, California, homeport. October 17, 2016 (Image source: DVIDS)
US-based defense contractor Leonardo DRS announced earlier this month that it will introduce its next-generation power conversion technology, providing US Navy ships a more “available and reliable electrical power.”
With this, the company seeks to boost the service’s mission-critical system capacity, especially in today’s ever-evolving security environment.
As the company phrases it, the new Leonardo DRS 6KVA Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) denotes “the next step in providing conditioned backup power to command, control, and communication systems where a clean, reliable power supply is mission critical.”
The new system carries over the tried-and-true qualities of prior Leonardo DRS technology, emphasizing lightweight, compact, and reliable backup power capable of meeting the current “demanding electrical requirements” of most Navy ships today. Compared to other systems, the Leonardo DRS 6KVA also has a “more robust power,” thus posing it as a more capable and dependable technology.
“We are proud to continue our legacy of providing the highest-reliability power conversion solutions to support our naval warfighters in the United States, Canada, and other allies around the world,” said Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president, and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit via press release statement. Qualified to the Navy’s MIL-spec gold standard, the new 6KVA AC UPS technology is steeped in our long legacy of providing ship-board power conversion systems, providing even stronger performance than our current product line.”
For four decades, the US-based defense firm has offered effective power solutions to the active service fleet. Its latest product will further improve naval operations in the future and beyond.
In addition, the upgraded UPS reduces lifetime and maintenance costs while optimizing backup power to provide a clean, dependable power supply to command, control, and communication systems on board.
In its fact sheet, the 6KVA AC (alternating current) UPS features a longer battery life “optimized for use with valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) and lithium (LiFePO4) battery chemistries” of up to 30,000 hours which can supply multiple onboard systems. It has an OLED unit status display fitted with a built-in test (BIT) capability, online maintenance of batteries and battery charger, and various backup time durations.
US-based defense contractor Leonardo DRS announced earlier this month that it will introduce its next-generation power conversion technology, providing US Navy ships a more “available and reliable electrical power.”
With this, the company seeks to boost the service’s mission-critical system capacity, especially in today’s ever-evolving security environment.
As the company phrases it, the new Leonardo DRS 6KVA Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) denotes “the next step in providing conditioned backup power to command, control, and communication systems where a clean, reliable power supply is mission critical.”
The new system carries over the tried-and-true qualities of prior Leonardo DRS technology, emphasizing lightweight, compact, and reliable backup power capable of meeting the current “demanding electrical requirements” of most Navy ships today. Compared to other systems, the Leonardo DRS 6KVA also has a “more robust power,” thus posing it as a more capable and dependable technology.
“We are proud to continue our legacy of providing the highest-reliability power conversion solutions to support our naval warfighters in the United States, Canada, and other allies around the world,” said Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president, and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit via press release statement. Qualified to the Navy’s MIL-spec gold standard, the new 6KVA AC UPS technology is steeped in our long legacy of providing ship-board power conversion systems, providing even stronger performance than our current product line.”
For four decades, the US-based defense firm has offered effective power solutions to the active service fleet. Its latest product will further improve naval operations in the future and beyond.
In addition, the upgraded UPS reduces lifetime and maintenance costs while optimizing backup power to provide a clean, dependable power supply to command, control, and communication systems on board.
In its fact sheet, the 6KVA AC (alternating current) UPS features a longer battery life “optimized for use with valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) and lithium (LiFePO4) battery chemistries” of up to 30,000 hours which can supply multiple onboard systems. It has an OLED unit status display fitted with a built-in test (BIT) capability, online maintenance of batteries and battery charger, and various backup time durations.
Suppose the input power is lost, interrupted, or exceeds acceptable limits. In that case, the double conversion feature of the UPS system will take over and provide the output power via a specific duration using rechargeable storage batteries. Once restored, the system will automatically revert to its main input power.
Leonardo DRS is among the top American defense contractors and has provided the armed forces, especially the Navy cutting-edge power conversion and propulsion technologies for surface ships and submarines.
Other Ongoing Navy Projects
Besides its new UPS system, the firm recently received over a $1 billion contract to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the Navy’s future Columbia-class submarine.
The Columbia-class submarine is the next-generation nuclear-powered, ballistic missile-capable underwater sub of the service, slated to replace the aging Ohio-class.
The construction of the 560-foot (170 meters) submarine class began in 2020 and is expected to enter service by 2031. With a displacement of approximately 21,000 tons, it is the largest ship ever built by the United States.
An artist rendering of the future U.S. Navy Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Meanwhile, the Ohio-class will gradually decommission, retiring one sub per year in 2027. By then, the 12-ordered Columbia-class will succeed in the role of underwater strength as part of the US strategic nuclear triad. Each will be armed with 16 UGM-133 Trident II intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), eight fewer than its predecessor. Moreover, the sub has twin torpedo tubes and will be fitted with an enlarged version of Virginia-class sonar systems.
Columbia’s nuclear reactor will last up to 42 years, unlike its predecessor, which required mid-life refueling. Furthermore, its “fly-by-wire” navigational systems will allow more precise speed and depth monitoring for the complement of 155 sailors onboard.
Working alongside the lead contractor of the next-gen submarine program, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), Leonardo will develop the electric drive propulsion system, including the main propulsion motor—considered the heart of this critical US Navy platform.
Last year, Leonardo delivered its first main propulsion engine for the lead Columbia-Class submarine to GDEB, months after it accomplished the factory’s acceptance trials, including full power endurance and related tests.
Wondering how powerful America’s next-generation, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are? Check out the video below.
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