Replacement of Sealed Nickel-Cadmium Batteries on EA-6B Aircraft with Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries 2006-01-3084

This paper will summarize the details of replacing the EA-6B Sealed Nickel-Cadmium (SNC) batteries in an effort to reduce battery maintenance and battery maintenance costs. A flight evaluation program is presently underway at two locations to validate the proposed change from SNC batteries to Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries. The EA-6B aircraft currently uses two 26-volt SNC batteries, military part number (MIL PN) D8565/1-1, and one 24-volt SNC battery, part number MS17334-2. The SNC batteries are scheduled for maintenance every 112 days, which requires removal and replacement of the batteries at the O-level and battery maintenance at the I-level (battery shop). A load check is required every 28 days on the aircraft in accordance with the Maintenance Requirement Card (MRC).

Under the sponsorship of the Aging Aircraft IPT (AAIPT), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR 4.4.5.2) and the Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) have identified VRLA batteries as possible replacements for the SNC batteries. The proposed replacement battery, MIL PN D8565/1-2 is a direct form, fit, and function replacement for the D8565/1-1 SNC battery. The proposed replacement battery, MIL PN D8565/17-1, is a direct form, fit, and function replacement for the MS17334-2 SNC battery. It is presently planned that the VRLA batteries will have a one-year inspection period and a replacement cycle of three years. Flight testing of the VRLA battery, MIL PN D8565/1-2, began in early February 2006 and flight testing of VRLA battery, MIL PN D8565/17-1, commenced in early July 2006.