WBI Assessments and Partnerships Enable Continuous Innovation for Air Force Aircraft Battery Systems
Batteries are big business for the Department of the Air Force. The procurement and maintenance of batteries are handled by various entities and without a unified framework for assessing needs or planning for obsolescence, it is nearly impossible to identify technology gaps, overlaps, or opportunities for standardization—hindering innovation and the seamless integration of advanced battery systems.
Average costs and timelines below are based on industry standards:
The United States Air Force relies heavily on legacy battery chemistries, specifically lead-acid (LA) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, for reserve and emergency power in its aircraft fleet. While these chemistries have been trusted for decades, they suffer from low energy density, limited power output, and short cycle life compared to modern battery technologies. This disparity between older chemistries and new developments presents a significant challenge for the Air Force as it seeks to optimize performance, reduce costs, and plan for future upgrades.
WBI applied its deep expertise in both secondary research and innovative technological analysis to help the Air Force gather the necessary data and drive meaningful solutions.
Data-Driven Research: WBI conducted in-depth secondary research, analyzing Department of Defense (DoD), academic, and industry research papers, patents, grant awards, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) development data. This research laid the foundation for identifying key trends and emerging opportunities in battery technologies.
Ecosystem Analysis Using Machine Learning: WBI partnered with Public Spend Forum (PSF) to leverage its AI-powered Market Intelligence and Technology Mapping (MITM) platform. Using machine learning-assisted analysis, WBI identified key players in the battery ecosystem and assessed their capabilities. This comprehensive analysis covered not only DoD interests but also non-DoD science and technology areas that could provide potential breakthroughs.
Stakeholder Engagement Through Workshops: WBI designed and conducted a series of workshops with U.S. Air Force stakeholders, bringing together key decision-makers to discuss and prioritize battery technology needs. The workshops were essential in aligning various Air Force stakeholders with the objectives of the study, ensuring that the data collected would directly address the most pressing needs.
Custom Survey Design: To further prepare stakeholders for the workshops and maximize the value of the discussions, WBI designed a tailored survey. The survey helped capture the diverse perspectives and requirements of various program offices, ensuring that all relevant data was gathered efficiently.
This comprehensive data collection enabled the Air Force to better understand its existing battery ecosystem and make informed decisions on future upgrades. Ultimately, the effort aims to standardize aviation batteries at multiple levels—materials, cells, modules, and full battery systems—by leveraging modern, agile architectures that can incorporate advancements in battery chemistry. Standardization will drive significant improvements in system performance while reducing acquisition and maintenance costs.
Lithium-Ion Deep Dive
WBI’s experience with the battery survey data collection effort later informed a deep-dive into Lithium-Ion battery providers whose products would address critical powering needs for a wide range of military technologies. Traditional lithium-ion batteries face limitations due to their bulky designs, slow discharge rates, and inability to endure the harsh conditions often encountered in military operations. These challenges emphasize the need for more reliable, efficient, and durable energy storage solutions.
WBI leveraged its experience in technology transfer and market research in order to match forward-leaning Air Force technologies developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with partners that could develop a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. WBI’s comprehensive portfolio launched a targeted marketing campaign aimed at identifying industry partners capable of advancing the technologies for dual use.
Using WBI’s SCOUT Database, hundreds of potential partners in the lithium-ion battery sector were contacted with interest from 14 companies.
"WBI was crucial in connecting RQ with several partners to pursue commercialization of lithium-ion battery technologies. WBI helped us analyze and navigate the market, while also playing a key role in facilitating our connection with these collaborators." - Technology Transfer Lead at AFRL
WBI’s ongoing efforts, including facilitating conversations and supporting the development of commercialization plans, continue to build momentum. Dayton, Ohio-based MilesAhead Energy is currently working on a commercialization plan that aligns with licensing efforts, highlighting the lasting impact of WBI’s strategic approach.
WBI’s role in the Air Force’s battery standardization and lithium-ion technology efforts is a testament to the organization’s mission of connecting government research with commercial partners to drive innovation. By identifying gaps, standardization opportunities, and new technologies, WBI has helped position the Air Force to adopt high-performance, next-generation battery solutions that meet the demands of modern military operations.
This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a foundation for future innovation in military energy storage systems, ensuring the Air Force remains equipped with cutting-edge technologies for years to come.