Greater capacity opens up new tactical possibilities: FPVs can penetrate deeper into enemy positions, target more accurately, and remain undetected longer due to a smaller heat signature.
Greater capacity opens up new tactical possibilities: FPVs can penetrate deeper into enemy positions, target more accurately, and remain undetected longer due to a smaller heat signature.
Lviv company 3D Tech SLS has developed an innovative battery for FPV drones, which has almost twice the capacity of conventional analogues at a similar weight. "Espresso.Zahid" reports that the new battery allows drones to cover a distance of 15 to 30 km, record flights of 38 km have already been recorded. Theoretically, the development can provide a range of up to 60 km.
The secret is in the combination of solid-state components with modern lithium-ion cells. The battery case is made of durable polymer on a 3D printer, and the control system provides digital charge control in real time. The capacity is 120,000 mAh - compared to 65,000 mAh in traditional drone batteries.
Greater capacity opens up new tactical possibilities: FPVs can penetrate deeper into enemy positions, target more accurately, and remain undetected longer due to a smaller heat signature.
In the Zaporizhia region, new batteries are already being used serially, and in other regions they are undergoing testing.
3D Tech SLS has been operating since 2017, starting with 3D printing parts for cars and medical devices, but after the full-scale invasion began, it refocused on defense needs. Now engineers are printing components for drones, spare parts, turnstiles, and experimenting with new materials.
The development has already received support from the state defense cluster Brave1. The company plans to use part of the grant funds for laboratory equipment and improving quality control. The next steps are the creation of mobile charging stations for the front, adaptation of batteries for ground robotic complexes and reaching the declared maximum range of 60 km.
As a reminder, the updated Brave1 grant program covers 70 technological areas in nine categories — from electronic warfare and attack drones to unmanned boats and missiles. The grant budget provides for the allocation of UAH 2.7 billion for Ukrainian arms manufacturers.
