Epsilor to Provide Canadian Armed Forces with Battery Charging Solution
Epsilor was awarded a $3 million contract to develop and deliver 400 multi-channel tactical chargers, spares and services, with options for up to an additional 350 chargers over the next four years
Israel-based Epsilor-Electric Fuel Ltd., a part of Arotech Corporation’s Power Systems Division, has won a tender from the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) worth approximately USD3 million in its initial phase.
The company will develop and provide a new charger designed to meet the operational and technical needs of the Canadian Armed Forces Integrated Soldier System Suite (ISS-S) Program. The contract includes 400 charger units, spares, and other services, as well as options to order up to an additional 350 chargers within the next four years.
The Canadian ISS Program aims to equip thousands of dismounted soldiers with state-of-the-art C4I systems that include battle management system, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and target acquisition equipment. As ISS energy components support all wearable electronic equipment in long dismounted operations, the Canadian Armed Forces identified battery recharging as a critical capability of the ISS and decided to obtain a dedicated multi-channel charger that will support its soldiers in the field, in vehicles, in forward operating bases and for high volume recharging of thousands of batteries simultaneously.
Epsilor's new charger supports the LI-145/LI-80 family and BB-2525/U conformal wearable batteries used by the Canadian forces, as well as by various NATO armed forces. The solution is based on a 12-channel charger, packed in a rugged tactical case that will enable soldiers to charge large numbers of batteries in the depot as well as in the field and in moving vehicles (“charge on the move”). The charger, which is designed to receive power from different sources such as an electric grid and different vehicle sources with a flexible input voltage, is intended to improve tactical flexibility and the energy independence of its users.
"We are very proud that Epsilor was chosen to become part of the prestigious Canadian ISS program," said Alex Stepansky, Epsilor’s General Manager. "Winning the Canadian tender demonstrates our competitiveness and the quality of our design and manufacturing. This high-profile project could pave the way for future programs with the Canadian Defense sector as well as with other NATO customers."