Product Specifications for Saft BA-5590/U Military Battery | 12V/24V Lithium for SINCGARS & AN/PRC Radios
| BM Part #: | BA-5590/U |
|---|---|
| Voltage: | 12 Volt or 24 Volt |
| Capacity: | 7500 mAh |
| Type: | Li-SO2 |
| Length: | 4.97" |
| Width: | 4.37" |
| Height: | 2.43" |
| Shipping Weight: | 2.20Lbs |
| Warranty: | 60 Day Return |
- Dual-voltage output: 12V (15Ah) or 24V (7.5Ah) — a single battery supports two operational modes across a wide range of fielded military radios, encryption sets, and surveillance systems.
- Widest compatible systems footprint in its class — qualified for SINCGARS AN/PRC-119, AN/PRC-104, AN/PRC-113, AN/PRC-117, KY-57, KY-65, REMBASS, PLRS, AN/TAS-4A TOW night sight, and RT-991/RT-1175 buoy radios.
- 10-year shelf life with ultra-low self-discharge — designed for long-term depot storage and pre-positioned equipment without capacity degradation.
- Extreme temperature rated: -60°C to +71°C (-76°F to +160°F) — the lowest cold-weather rating in this battery family, suitable for arctic and high-altitude operations.
- Discharge activation switch for safe disposal — built-in switch allows safe, compliant battery disposal in the field per military handling requirements.
Product Description
Saft BA-5590/U Military Lithium Battery
The BA-5590/U is the most widely fielded primary lithium battery in the U.S. military inventory. Manufactured by Saft and assembled in the USA, this Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (Li-SO2) battery powers a broad range of military radios, encryption sets, and battlefield systems — making it a cornerstone of military logistics and supply planning across services and commands.
Dual-Voltage Operation
The BA-5590/U operates in two modes: 12 volts at 15Ah or 24 volts at 7.5Ah, interfacing through a 6-position connector compatible with all BA-5590 series equipment. No modifications are required for use in any platform that accepts BA-5590/U, BA-5590B/U, or BA-3590/U batteries.
Compatible Military Radios and Systems
The BA-5590/U is qualified for use with a wide range of fielded military platforms, including:
- SINCGARS radios: AN/PRC-119
- Manpack and airborne radios: AN/PRC-104, AN/PRC-113, AN/PRC-117
- Encryption sets: KY-57, KY-65
- Battlefield surveillance: REMBASS
- Position reporting: PLRS
- Buoy radios: RT-991, RT-1175
- Night sight: AN/TAS-4A TOW
Built for Long-Term Readiness
A 10-year shelf life and ultra-low self-discharge rate make the BA-5590/U well-suited for depot stockpiling and pre-positioned unit sets. Its -60°C to +71°C operating range — the broadest cold-weather tolerance in this battery family — ensures stable performance in arctic, mountain, and high-altitude environments. A built-in discharge activation switch enables safe, compliant field disposal without additional equipment.
Procurement Information
NSNs: 6135-01-499-3516, 6135-01-438-9450, 6135-01-069-8575, 6135-01-070-3865, and others — see full cross-reference list below
Manufacturer: Saft
Chemistry: Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (Li-SO2)
Assembled in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BA-5590/U used for?
The BA-5590/U is the standard military battery for SINCGARS and AN/PRC-series manpack radios, as well as KY-57 and KY-65 encryption sets, the REMBASS battlefield surveillance system, PLRS position reporting, AN/TAS-4A TOW night sight, and RT-991/RT-1175 buoy radios. It is one of the most widely used batteries in the U.S. military inventory.
What is the difference between the BA-5590/U and the BA-5390A/U?
Both batteries use the same 6-position connector and fit the same equipment. The key difference is chemistry and capacity: the BA-5590/U uses Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (Li-SO2) at 7,500mAh, while the BA-5390A/U uses Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2) at 11,100mAh — providing up to 48% more run time. If your procurement allows substitution, the BA-5390A/U is a drop-in upgrade. The BA-5590/U remains the standard NSN-stocked battery across most supply channels.
Is there a rechargeable version of the BA-5590/U?
The BA-5590/U itself is a primary (non-rechargeable) battery. Rechargeable alternatives in the same form factor exist — such as the BB-2590/U — but they are separate NSN items with different procurement and charging infrastructure requirements. This listing is for the non-rechargeable BA-5590/U only.
Which NSN should I use to requisition this battery?
The BA-5590/U has been assigned multiple NSNs over its service life. Commonly used current NSNs include 6135-01-499-3516 and 6135-01-438-9450. Older NSNs such as 6135-01-069-8575 and 6135-01-070-3865 may still appear in equipment TMs and older supply records. Contact us if you need to cross-reference a specific NSN against this item.
What part numbers does this battery replace?
This battery covers all variants in the BA-5590 family, including: BA-5590, BA-5590/U, BA-5590B, BA-5590B/U, BA5590, BA5590/A, BA5590/U, BA5590A, BA5590AU, BA5590B, BA5590B/U, BA5590BU, BA5590HC, BA5590U, BT-70082, and 617129-1.
What does the discharge activation switch do?
The built-in discharge activation switch allows the battery to be safely and fully discharged prior to disposal, in compliance with military battery handling and disposal requirements. This eliminates the need for external discharge equipment in the field.
How should this battery be stored?
Store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight. The Li-SO2 chemistry supports a 10-year shelf life under proper storage conditions. Keep terminals protected and away from conductive materials. Note that Li-SO2 batteries may vent sulfur dioxide gas if damaged or improperly handled — follow applicable handling protocols.
Cross Reference & Compatibility
- AN/PRC-104
- AN/PRC-113
- AN/PRC-117
- AN/PRC-119 Singcars Radios
- KY-57
- KY-65 encryption set
- REMBASS
- PLRS
- RT-991
- RT-1175 Buoy Radio
- AN/TAS-4A TOW
