3-3. Battery Care. Never allow a battery to be stored for more than a few hours in
a discharged condition. Prior to storage, each battery should be fully charged.
These batteries will self-discharge at the rate of 2-3% per month if stored at +68F
and 10-15% per month if stored at +104F. Batteries in storage should be
recharged at 2-3 month intervals then returned to storage. If this procedure is
followed, the batteries should be ready for immediate use if time is not available for
recharging prior to the airdrop. Battery life is halved for each 20°F increase in
temperature above normal room temperature. Avoid storing batteries in an
excessively warm area. Protect the batteries from rough handling or blows which
may crack the case. Even minor case cracks will allow the gelled electrolyte within
the battery to dry out, thus rendering the battery useless.
3-6
