Cutting-edge F-35 pushs innovation for the future

One of the intangibles of any cutting-edge development program involving new technology is how the technological development eventually comes to benefit everyone.

Battery technology has a way to go before it can fulfill the role many would like to see it fulfill, i.e. powering systems and vehicles safely, at low cost and for extended periods of time.  The F-35 is one project that will help further that area of technological growth, specifically, Lithium-ion batteries:

Saft will produce a state-of-the-art, high-power battery that provides the back-up power for electro-mechanical actuation for the flight control surfaces. The battery will provide in-flight emergency backup power to the aircraft’s critical systems.

Each ship set consists of one JSF 270V and one JSF 28V battery per aircraft. As part of the contract, Saft will meet More Electric Aircraft (MEA) industry objectives that aim to optimize aircraft performance and reduce gas emissions.

One of the things critics like to claim is nothing of any worth comes from building war gear.  Of course that's nonsense.  Much has come from the state-of-the-art technological development that the military does through contractors that finds its way into every day life (see GPS for instance).  To pretend otherwise is just deliberate ignorance.   You had better believe that successful development, improvement and deployment of these batteries will find its way into the civilian market and improve everyone's lives.

Graff