HPQ Silicon strategic partner Novacium has delivered its first batch of prototype tactical radio batteries to the French Army Technical Section, achieving 144 Wh of capacity versus 72 Wh for the batteries currently in service ahead of operational testing.
Key Investor Takeaways
- HPQ Silicon (USOTC:HPQFF) holds a 36.8% interest in Novacium, which delivered the first prototype battery batch to the French Army Technical Section, or STAT, during the third quarter.
- The new batteries provide 144 Wh of energy capacity, double the 72 Wh of the reference battery, while maintaining compatibility with existing connectors and chargers.
- Energy density increased 63% to 261 Wh/kg from 160 Wh/kg through the use of GEN3 21700 cylindrical cells.
- STAT will now test the batteries under operational conditions, with feedback expected in the coming weeks before development of a second batch.
- The next prototypes will use GEN4 cells exceeding 6,500 mAh, targeting additional energy capacity without increasing battery mass.
Why HPQFF Stock Is in Focus
Novacium has completed the first delivery under a French Army Technical Section contract awarded in June to develop high-capacity prototype batteries for tactical radio equipment.
The company replaced the 18650 cells used in the existing battery design with GEN3 21700 cylindrical cells. The resulting prototype carries 144 Wh of energy compared with 72 Wh for the battery currently in service.
Energy density reaches 261 Wh/kg, a 63% improvement from the reference battery’s 160 Wh/kg. The prototype weighs 551 grams and measures 42.6 × 98.63 × 74.35 millimetres.
Novacium also developed an adapted battery management system and enclosure that allow the battery to retain compatibility with existing connectors, chargers and interfaces while limiting changes in dimensions and mass. A patent application covering the design has been filed.
The company said the doubled capacity is intended to provide up to twice the operating time under a comparable usage profile, although STAT will determine actual performance during operational testing.
Why This Matters for Investors
For HPQ Silicon investors, the milestone provides evidence that Novacium is applying its battery expertise to a working prototype for a defence customer rather than limiting development to cell and material research.
HPQ owns 36.8% of Novacium, giving it an economic interest in the partner’s progress. However, the announcement does not disclose the value of the STAT contract or establish that the prototypes will proceed to commercial-scale orders.
That makes the upcoming operational evaluation particularly important. STAT’s testing will assess actual performance, while feedback will be used to refine the battery’s design, ergonomics and operating parameters before Novacium produces its second batch.
The program also adds to Novacium’s activity in defence and autonomous systems. The company previously announced an order for French Army drone battery packs through LN’INNOV and a separate order for 100 drone battery packs from Alta Ares.
Management said successful STAT testing could provide a technical basis for offering the tactical battery solution to other allied forces with similar requirements. That opportunity remains conditional on the evaluation confirming the expected performance.
What to Watch Next
STAT’s operational testing and the resulting feedback expected in the coming weeks represent the next immediate milestones.
Novacium then plans to manufacture a second batch that more closely reflects a production configuration. Those batteries will incorporate GEN4 cells with capacity above 6,500 mAh, targeting greater onboard energy at the same mass.
Investors can also watch for evidence that successful testing leads to larger-scale deployment or additional defence customers, which would provide a clearer indication of the program’s commercial potential.