Next-Gen Thermal Batteries for Missile Defense Application - SBIR Topic MDA26BZ04-NV001

Funding Amount:

Phase I - $314,000

Deadline to Apply:

August 19th, 2026

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Objective:

Develop and demonstrate advanced thermal battery technology that significantly reduces size and weight while extending operational life, enabling enhanced performance and mission capabilities for missile defense systems.

Description:

Current thermal battery technologies, while highly reliable for critical power applications in missile defense, present limitations that directly impact the performance and capabilities of advanced interceptor systems.

Key constraints include their specific energy density, power density, size, weight, and operational lifespan. These factors limit the overall effectiveness and maneuverability of these crucial defense assets.

For example, the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) currently utilizes multiple discrete Lithium thermal batteries to power its various subsystems, each with specific voltage, current, and duration requirements. The size, weight, and performance of these batteries are dictated by the manufacturer (Enersys, EaglePicher, and GYT) and the demands of the design, but there is a clear need for improved performance.

A single, more efficient battery solution could greatly simplify the power architecture, reduce weight, and enhance system responsiveness.

This SBIR topic seeks innovative research and development to create next-generation thermal batteries that overcome these limitations.

We are looking for proposals focused on achieving significant improvements in specific energy density, power density, operational lifespan, and miniaturization.

Ideally, solutions would be lightweight, exceptionally safe, and designed to operate reliably in the harsh environments typical of missile defense deployments.

Innovations may include, but are not limited to:

• Novel electrolyte chemistries

• Advanced electrode materials

• Improved thermal management techniques

• Alternative activation methods

The ultimate goal is a new generation of thermal batteries that enable enhanced missile defense capabilities through improved performance, reduced system footprint, and extended operational readiness.

PHASE I:

Phase I would focus on conducting a trade study to identify the most promising candidate materials and designs for smaller dimension, lightweight, and extended-duration thermal batteries.

This would include a feasibility analysis, a cost estimate, and the identification of candidate solution sets that use measurable metrics (e.g., specific energy, specific power, volume, weight, lifespan) to provide equivalent or better solutions than existing technologies.

Proposed Deliverable:

• Trade study report

• Modeling and simulation results

• Prototype cell test data

• Thermal management model

• Manufacturing feasibility assessment

• Detailed Phase II plan

PHASE II:

Phase II plan is to construct a prototype of the best candidate thermal battery design from Phase I and test it to qualify it as a potential replacement for current thermal batteries used in missile defense systems.

This would involve optimizing the battery design, improving manufacturing processes, and conducting comprehensive performance and safety testing.

The prototype would be tested under simulated operational conditions to validate its performance and reliability.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

The technologies developed during this SBIR, such as novel electrolytes, advanced electrode materials, and improved thermal management, could be translated to several civilian and other defense applications, creating a substantial dual-use market.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

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