ONR selects Hamilton Sundstrand for demonstration of energy-dense PEMFC based air-independent propulsion system

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Aug 09, 2012, 11:32 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems' legacy Hamilton Sundstrand business was recently awarded a contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to demonstrate an energy-dense air independent power system for an undersea vehicle as part of ONR's Long-Endurance Undersea Vehicle Propulsion (LEUVP) Program. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

This Program will develop an energy storage system that will allow an undersea vehicle to carry out a longer mission with additional capabilities. UTC Aerospace Systems, together with UTC Power and Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., will demonstrate a fully integrated solution that includes a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and cryogenically stored fuel and oxidant. The PEMFC-based system would replace existing battery systems, providing greater energy and operational options to the U.S. Navy.

"We are currently in production with the PEMFC providing a Fuel Cell Power Module for the Spanish Navy's S-80 Submarine and feel that we are well placed with our partners to deliver a proven option to ONR and the US Navy on this program," said G. Allen Flynt, general manager, Space Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems.

"Ball Aerospace is a leader in long duration storage and management of cryogens for both space and tactical environments," said Jim Oschmann, vice president and general manager for Ball's Tactical Solutions strategic business unit. "Ball provided the cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen power reactant storage tanks on all of the NASA space shuttles and most recently the liquid hydrogen tanks for the Boeing Phantom Eye prototype High Altitude Long Endurance demonstration aircraft."

UTC Power, a proven leader in the design, manufacture and deployment of fuel cells for a wide range of applications, is designing the fuel cell power module system for this demonstration project. "We are pleased that our fuel cell technology and system design are key elements to this exciting project," said Joe Triompo, vice president and general manager of UTC Power. "This application of our PEM technology builds on our rich history of providing clean, dependable power for the world around us – from building and buses to spacecrafts and undersea vehicles."

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications.

Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. UTC Power has designed, manufactured, and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cells in 19 countries on six continents.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.

www.utcaerospacesystems.com

SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems