Saft lands battery deal for Russian passenger jet
The contract builds on Saft’s success in delivering batteries for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, developed by another subsidiary of UAC. Irkut has already received 257 orders for the MC-21 and Saft estimates that more than 8,000 batteries will be delivered specifically for this program during the next 20 years, including aftermarket demand for which Saft will have direct access to.
The MC-21, which is a strategically important project for Russia that further reinforces the country’s plans to develop its own aviation industry, is a medium-range passenger aircraft currently under development by Russian airframe manufacturer Irkut, part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The plane’s first flight planned for 2016 and service entry in 2018. The aircraft is designed to be the best in its class with high levels of fuel efficiency, low weight, low operating costs and a wide body for greater passenger comfort.
Zodiac Aero Electric is delivering the aircraft’s primary power distribution system on behalf of Irkut and has turned to Saft to supply the onboard batteries that will provide safe and reliable power to start the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and provide emergency backup and buffering for critical systems.
Under the contract, Saft will supply three batteries from its Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM) range for each aircraft. Nickel-based ULM batteries are well proven aviation batteries with an established track record with major aircraft and helicopter manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Gulfstream.
ULM batteries are designed to be lightweight and reliable over a long service life. One major advantage is that they offer extended maintenance intervals leading to significantly reduced operating costs. A team of Saft experts worked in partnership with Zodiac Aero Electric to develop battery systems that met Irkut’s specifications.
“The battery order for the Irkut MC-21 is a vital development for Saft that reinforces our strong working relationship with a major player in Russia’s fast growing passenger aircraft industry”, said Antoine Brenier, Saft Aviation International Sales & Marketing Director.
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