Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:05:05-1:05:49

Why lithium batteries do not automatically suit torpedoes

Lithium batteries offer performance but may be too costly and mismatched to the short, specialized duty cycle of a torpedo.

Lithium BatteriesNaval WeaponsSubmarine TechnologyTorpedoes
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Question

Has any navy investigated lithium-powered torpedoes?

Short answer

Possibly, but lithium is expensive and a torpedo's short mission may not justify the same battery choice used in a submarine.

Notes

A torpedo has different electrical demands from a submarine that must repeatedly store and release energy across a patrol. Japan's lithium-battery submarines demonstrate the technology's potential but also its high cost. A torpedo has different range, response, and endurance requirements, so the same battery solution does not follow automatically. Established propulsion systems may meet the weapon's needs more economically.