Definition
A rechargeable storage battery that uses nickel hydroxide and cadmium hydroxide as its active electrode materials, with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. NiCad batteries hold a steady voltage under load, perform well in cold temperatures, and tolerate high charge and discharge rates, which is why they are commonly fitted to turbine and higher-performance aircraft as the main ship's battery.
Plain English
A type of rechargeable aircraft battery built from nickel and cadmium. It delivers strong, steady power and handles cold and heavy use better than a normal lead-acid battery, so it is often used on turbine aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system descriptions, battery servicing instructions, and procedures involving engine start or backup electrical power.
Derivation
Named after its two main ingredients: nickel and cadmium, both metals. The term tells you exactly what the battery is made of, which helps distinguish it from the more familiar lead-acid battery used in cars and small piston aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
These batteries power engine starts and essential avionics during electrical failures, but require monitoring to avoid overheating or capacity loss from improper charging.
Intuition Check
Do not treat a NiCad battery as just any ordinary battery. In an aircraft, it is a specific rechargeable battery type with its own charging, inspection, and maintenance requirements.
Example Sentence 1
The turbine aircraft's NiCad battery provided enough power to start the engine even on a cold morning.
Example Sentence 2
Following an alternator failure, the NiCad battery sustained essential instruments until landing.