Lithium-ion Batteries Applied in KSS-III Batch II Submarine of South Korea

Lithium-ion batteries will be applied in the KSS-III batch II submarine. At the South Korea Maritime Defense Exhibition in 2019, through various conceptual models and development projects, South Korea demonstrated the world of its powerful design, manufacturing and imaging capabilities. Among them, the more attractive designs include LPX-II amphibious assault ship, KDDX-class destroyer, HCX-19 concept ship and the KSS-III Batch II ballistic missile submarine. And the new batch KSS-III ballistic missile submarine is equipped with advanced lithium-ion batteries which would greatly improve its abilities.

KSS-III ballistic missile submarine is a large conventional submarine under construction in South Korea. In December 2012, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd (DSME) and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea (MND) reached a value of US$1.56 billion contract for the construction of two KSS-III ballistic missile conventional submarines. In November 2016, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) received a contract for the construction of a KSS-III submarine as well. By 2019, the first boat of KSS-III, "Dosan An Chang-Ho" class submarine had already undergone its sea trials, and another 2 ships are also under construction. According to the Korean side, the first three boats of the KSS-III submarine will be handed over to the navy in 2023.

The second batch model of the KSS-III submarine announced at the Maritime Defense Exhibition is the enlarged version of the first batch of KSS-III submarine. The Batch II submarine's displacement exceeds 4,000 tons. The most important feature is the use of new lithium-ion batteries jointly developed by Samsung and Hanwha. Compared with the lead-acid batteries used before, the new lithium batteries enable KSS-III batch II submarine to cruise at high speed, increase its ability by 300% and economic endurance by 160%. And the durability and life expectancy are doubled more. The performance of the new lithium-ion batteries bring to the submarine is impressive.

Except for the application of lithium-ion batteries, compared with the current model, the numbers of ballistic missiles carried in the KSS-III batch II submarine of South Korea will be increased from 6 to 10 pieces. At the same time, the advanced search masts provided by Taylor Devices Inc of the US will also be integrated into the second batch vessel. In general, the KSS-III batch II submarine has surpassed the US in service Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, especially in the informatization system. It is par with many advanced attack-model nuclear submarines in the world.

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