Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:41:09-4:42:42

Batteries and supercapacitors aboard surface warships

Warships already use large battery banks, while future supercapacitors could deliver the short bursts of power required by railguns and directed-energy weapons.

Directed Energy WeaponsEnergy StorageIntegrated Electric PropulsionRailgunsSurface Combatants
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Question

Do large batteries have a future in surface warships?

Short answer

Large batteries already serve aboard warships, and supercapacitors could support future weapons. Entirely battery-powered ocean-going combatants are considered unlikely.

Notes

Surface warships already carry large battery banks for emergency power and operating systems. Batteries can also supply an electric drive while the turbines accelerate. Dedicated anti-submarine ships are expected to continue using substantial electrical storage. Supercapacitors are suggested for future railguns, coilguns, and directed-energy weapons when the technology becomes practical to deploy. An ocean-going warship powered entirely by chemically stored electricity is considered unlikely, with even harbor-defense or littoral applications treated cautiously.