SAE International Publishes New Technical Information Report to Advance Battery Interoperability for Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems

SAE JA1016 establishes common specifications for lithium-ion pouch cells for small uncrewed systems in both ground and aerial applications.

SAE International, Warrendale, PA

SAE International has published a new Technical Information Report (TIR), SAE JA1016™, Performance and Dimensional Specification for Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells for Group 1 Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS). The TIR establishes the industry's first standardized framework for battery cell dimensions, performance characterization, safety verification, and manufacturer reporting for Group 1 sUAS applications in both ground and aerial applications.

As electrification expands across aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial sectors, varied battery cell geometries, qualification methods, and reporting practices have increased development costs, extended qualification timelines, and limited supply-chain flexibility. SAE JA1016 addresses these challenges by providing a common framework for evaluating, qualifying, and integrating lithium-ion pouch cells.