One of our persistent problems in airsoft power design is about the batteries. For each type of AEG or AEP, we have different sizes to fit them, be they used in an battery box in the shape of a PEQ or pouch, can be stored in the handguard, or installed in the buttstock. But what if the batteries are shaped like wires that we can run along tighter spaces and giving more option for the airsoft gun designers to design even better airsoft electric guns without worrying about battery space?

That's what LG Chem wants  to answer as they claim that they have a cable-type lithium ion battery that is very flexible that it can knotted or used as part of textiles. Developed by South Koreans for LG Chem, the batteries are thin and flexible enough that portable electronics designers can think of myriads of ways to design products ranging from consumer electronics such as mobile phones, to military applications where batteries are also a problem to power up their devices and add to the load:

"The linear shape and omni-directional flexibility of the cable-type battery render the designer free from conventional constraints, as the battery can be placed anywhere and in any shape. Moreover, instead of mounting the battery inside the device, it could be worn on the wrist, neck, or any other part of the human body, allowing maximum freedom in the device design and a strong boost for the realization of practical wearable electronics."

So far, the scientists have able to power an iPod and charged at 4.2v which is not yet enough to be able to power airsoft guns which require at least 7.2v for the motors to make the gearboxes do their thing as compared to other mobile devices which do not have moving parts and thus have lower power requirements. With the plan for mass production of the cable batteries, what we are excited is that it can further breakthroughs in the design would lead to even higher voltages and capacities.

As to when these type of cable batteries become available, we do not know yet. But with the pace of technological developments these days, it may not be too long that there might be cable batteries that can power airsoft electric guns.