Qualification of a 24-volt, 35-Ah sealed lead-acid aircraft battery

Abstract

This paper presents the results from a test program to qualify a 24-volt, 35-Ah sealed lead-acid battery for use in the C/KC-135 aircraft. Samples were obtained from two prospective suppliers, and one of these suppliers was successfully qualified as a source of supply. A modification program is under way to retrofit the C/KC-135 fleet with this battery. This new battery is projected to save the Air Force $135 million over the next 20 years due to reduced maintenance costs.