Boeing (www.boeing.com) recently confirmed that it has invested in Cuberg Inc, which is based in Berkeley (California) and was founded by former Stanford University researchers developing next-generation battery technology for potential aerospace and industrial applications.

Cuberg (www.cuberg.net) has developed an advanced battery cell that is designed to be a ‘drop in’ solution to existing large-scale battery-manufacturing processes.

It combines a lithium metal anode, proprietary electrolyte and high-voltage cathode to achieve “high energy density and thermal durability”.

Steve Nordlund (pictured), vice-president of Boeing HorizonX (a division of the company tasked with ‘turning new ideas and businesses into reality’), said: “Cuberg’s battery technology has some of the highest energy density we’ve seen in the market-place, and its unique chemistries could prove to be a safe and stable solution for future electric air transportation.”

Since it was established in April 2015, Cuberg has grown through several rounds of financing and grant funding, and it has signed a multi-million-dollar joint-development agreement with an industrial-battery manufacturer.

Cuberg CEO Richard Wang said: “We are excited to partner with the world’s largest aerospace company to extend our battery capabilities to help power the aerospace platforms of the future.

“With funding from Boeing, we will expand both our team and our research and development facilities to help customers integrate our batteries into their products, while also scaling up our technology to fully automated production.”

Meanwhile, Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner has been cleared for commercial service by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The ATC (amended type certificate) caps a successful flight test programme that began in March 2017 and involved three airplanes that accumulated about 900 test hours.

The programme team took the airplanes through a series of tests to confirm that their handling, systems and overall performance met internal requirements and certification standard.

Other regulatory agencies are expected to follow the FAA’s lead and certify the airplane before it enters service.