Saft awarded contract from Gulfstream Aerospace

Saft, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has been awarded two exclusive multi-year, multi-million-dollar supply contracts by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Under the agreement, Saft will deliver Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM®) technology batteries to Gulfstream Aerospace for two business jets, the Gulfstream G650® and Gulfstream G550®.

The Gulfstream G650®, an ultra-high-speed, ultra-long-range business jet, boasts the most technologically advanced flight deck in the aviation industry.

The G550®, a large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet, was Saft's inaugural aviation application for its ULM® technology. The ULM® battery was developed specifically for the Gulfstream GV® aircraft and has been supplied continuously since its commencement.

Deliveries for the contract, signed in late 2013, began in January. Saft will continue to supply its 5317CH-1, 21-cell CVH530KA ULM® battery. The 5317CH-1 battery has proven successful since the aircraft's certification in 1997. Since the technology was introduced in the Gulfstream GV®, most new commercial and military aircraft have been developed and certified powered by Saft's ULM® batteries.

Saft's 5317CH-1 ULM® technology battery reduces operating costs by significantly increasing the time between maintenance. The ULM® battery, backed by robust and reliable technology, will provide start APU, emergency power, power avionics, backup power for flight controls and has the ability to fill in electrical system loads as needed. The battery provides 25.2 V of power and has a capacity of 53Ah. The Saft 5317CH-1 batteries are also used in the Gulfstream GV-SP® and G500®.

“Through this announcement, Saft will continue to supply reliable technology for a valued customer, Gulfstream Aviation,” said Bruce McRae, Saft Aviation Sales & Marketing Director for North America. “This contract demonstrates Saft's experience and expertise in batteries for aviation and allows Saft to expand into a new class of business aircraft. The trust in Saft's ULM® technology is based on a foundation of proven industry success that began in 1995 with Gulfstream.”