Thankfully the days of a rusty Jeep, tall ladders and jury-rigged tools have given way to specially designed equipment that makes ground handling and servicing of business and commercial aircraft easier and, more importantly, safer for technicians and aircraft alike.
While there is some truly amazing technology out there today, advancements in GSE seemingly go unnoticed. For some reason, people just don’t find this area of our industry as interesting as a new super-duper jumbo jet or flat-panel LCD avionics – imagine that. Aviation Maintenance decided now was the time to shed some light on new GSE equipment so we contacted the major suppliers and manufacturers to see what they’ve got. What we found is some pretty amazing stuff:
Unitron’s AC-DC PwrKart
When you’re working out on a busy ramp, you can never have too much power or too much flexibility, so Unitron has introduced the new dual output, solid-state AC-DC GPU. What really sets this unit apart is that it can simultaneously supply both 400 Hz AC and 28 VDC power. It’s perfect for operators who see a mixed fleet of AC and DC aircraft on their ramp at the same time. You’ll not only increase your flexibility by having the right power available at every aircraft, but also will save money by reducing equipment count and overall maintenance costs. Operators with crowded ramps and hangars will save space by literally cutting their GPU footprint in half.
According to the company, output power ratings for the PwrKart are 37.5 kVA to 90 kVA AC power with 450 amps continuous DC power and a 2,000 amp DC start capability. The unit is also equipped with Automatic Line Drop Compensation (ALDC), which offsets voltage drop along the output cable. This permits the PwrKart to use cables up to 60-feet in length without sacrificing regulated voltage at the plug end. The unit also features dual outputs with individual safety disconnect, built-in maintenance diagnostics, output voltage meter and ammeter, 18-inch hazard area clearance and more. The PwrKart is available in mobile, towable, bridge-mount or fixed configurations.
For more information, phone: 214-340-8600 or Web: www.unitronlp.com
Eagle Tugs’ TT-12 AWD Aircraft Tug
With apologies to the U.S. Postal Service, when you really have to move the "big iron" (including regional-type jets), in rain, snow, sleet or gloom of night, your best solution is Eagle Tug’s TT-12 All Wheel Drive (AWD) aircraft tow tractor – the only AWD tractor currently available in this weight classification.
According to the company, the benefits of the AWD design extend beyond bad weather. Because the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed over all four-wheels, the operator gets better traction and steering control on all surface conditions. That means better maneuverability, greater control and increased safety. That’s something aircraft owners and FBO/maintenance shop managers will appreciate.
AWD isn’t the only unique feature of the Eagle Tug, the company also recently announced another tow-tractor industry first – a new "Threeagle," three-year/3,000 hour warranty on all new TT-series aircraft tractors. In addition, the TT-12 also comes with hydraulic power-boosted mechanical self-centering steering, hydraulic front- and rear-wheel brakes, and 85hp Isuzu diesel engine.
For more information, phone: 800-671-0431 or Web: www.eagletugs.com
Malabar International’s EZ Load Service Trailer
If you’ve ever struggled to get an aircraft tire up on a trailer for transporting you know how difficult and dangerous it is. In most instances it’s a two-person job. Until now. Malabar International has introduced its new EZ Load Service Trailer that makes transporting and moving large aircraft tires a one-person job. What sets the EZ Load apart is its self-contained lift system that automatically raises and lowers the entire trailer bed. An on-board nitrogen bottle and pneumatic actuators operate the unit’s self-contained lift system. With the flip of a switch a technician can lower the trailer and easily roll a tire on or off. It not only saves valuable manpower, it also greatly reduces the chance for injury.
The large work area also has room for an optional wheel brake changer and brake cradle and an optional tire service regulator and hose assembly – turning it into a truly self-contained tire transporting and service unit. The EZ Load features high-capacity poly-filled tires, which provides a smoother ride and eliminates flats due to punctures. In addition, the EZ Load has an oversized on-board storage box for landing gear service hand tools, aircraft tire restraint chains, auxiliary tow pintle, adjustable parking brake, bar grating on the trailer bed to reduce slipping.
For more information, phone: 805-581-0116 or Web: www.malabar.com
Hobart’s 90/120kVA Tier 3 Emissions Compliant GPU
As one of the very first of a new family of green ground power equipment models, Hobart’s new 90 and 120 kVA GPU features a specially designed Cummins diesel engine that meets all current and anticipated CE and Tier 3 Emissions certification standards. So even if you’re working in a very environmentally sensitive state like California, you’ll be able to deliver the power your customer aircraft need now, and in the future.
The new 90 and 120 kVA model isn’t only environmentally friendly, its low-profile design and 5th wheel (turnable) steering permits superior visibility and maneuverability so it’s very ramp friendly too. That’s a big benefit on those busy days when there are airplanes all over the ramp and they all need power.
While "green" operation is important, what really matters is the power a GPU delivers to the aircraft. To ensure you have the quality and reliability you expect from a Hobart GPU, the company has coupled the Cummins QSB6.7 diesel engine to a Hobart designed and manufactured generator, which meets or exceeds MIL-STD-704F Electrical Power Quality Requirements. The 90 and 120 kVA models also features the digital SENTRY control system providing a comprehensive approach to GPU control, troubleshooting and service tracking. Other features include noise reduction, lost neutral detection, choice of tow bar or hand-activated drum braking and optional CE certification.
For more information, phone: 800-422-7253 or Web: www.hobartgroundpower.com
Hammonds’ new ODAT
You can hear it now: "What’s ’dat? Oh, ’dat’s ODAT!" Well, maybe you can’t. But Hammonds Omni Directional Aviation Transporter (ODAT) is going to cause quite a stir at any FBO or MRO that is fortunate enough to have one on their ramp. ODAT is the happy marriage of Hammonds’ patented Omni Directional Vehicle (ODV) with a specially designed towbarless Aircraft Transporter creating a unit that is unmatched in it maneuverability and ease of use on the ramp or in the hangar.
With its unique design, the ODV gives operators the ability to move in any direction relative to the load it is pulling, including sideways. This not only improves ground handling, it actually reduces the stress on the aircraft’s landing gear. According to the company, thanks to its patented round chassis and radial hitch, the ODV continually maintains the perfect point of force on any object being pushed or towed. To further improve aircraft handling, ODAT features a unique method of aircraft capturing and lifting. The operator just drives up to the front of the airplane and the unit automatically chocks the nose wheel and lifts it straight up without winching, pulling or binding the gear. Aircraft owners ought to love that.
Hammonds says that in case you need to convert the towbarless ODAT into a regular tow bar tractor the transformation from ODV to ODAT takes less than a minute. Plus, for FBOs and MROs looking for even more bang for their GSE buck, Hammonds offers both a snowplow and rotary brush attachment for the ODV. So if you buy the options, you’ll have four-units-in-one – the ODV, an ODAT, a Snow-DAT and a Sweep-DAT. (I made the last two up.)
For more information, phone: 800-582-4224 or Web: www.hammondsodv.com
Port•A•Cool’s 16-foot Cart
You can’t talk hot new GSE equipment without mentioning the new 16-foot portable evaporative cooling unit from Port•A•Cool. Given a choice, when the temperature in the maintenance hangar is pushing the century mark, many a technician would give up a vacation day to have one of these units at the ready. According to the company, the 16-foot unit can cool up to a 1,000-square-foot area by as much as 20 degrees. And it can go even lower in dryer climates. How does that sound in mid-August Albuquerque?
Because the Port•A•Cool units use evaporative cooling, water is not injected into the air stream like a mister. With these units there’s minimal water vapor added into the relative environment so interior condensation is not a problem. Port•A•Cool offers units in 16", 24", 36" and 48" fan sizes. The company says the 48" unit can cool a 4,000-square-foot hangar. The units come completely assembled, so you just add water and power and you’re good to go. Ducting kits are available to channel the cooled air directly into the cockpit or cabin of an aircraft. Cool!
For more information, phone: 800-695-2942. Web: www.port-a-cool.com
LEKTRO’s new VLJ sized electric towing vehicle
In anticipation of a "VLJ in every hangar," LEKTRO has introduced the compact, all-electric AP8350. Designed to handle aircraft up to 10,000 pounds, it is the first aircraft towing vehicle created specifically to meet the needs of this new breed of little jet. Designed for easy and safe operation by a single user, the AP8350 is ideal for the owner/pilot, flight schools, avionics shops and maintenance facilities that cater to single, twin, turboprops, VLJs and light jet aircraft. Fully charged it has the capability to tow an aircraft up to a mile.
The new "mini-LEKTRO" incorporates a number of the features found in the company’s other tug designs including LEKTRO’s patented universal nose gear lift cradle, a traction motor coupled directly to a high-efficiency helical gear Dana differential and an ultra-smooth, state-of-the-art electronic system. Speaking of electronics, as an added benefit, especially to single-pilot owner/operators, the AP8350 can also be GPU unit that will provide up to 800 amps of starting power. More power is available with the optional GPU delivering up to 1,175 amps. The unit also has a built-in, heavy-duty hand winch, automatic deadman parking brake, electronic speed control with on-board troubleshooting diagnostics, motive battery charger and automotive-type steering.
For more information, phone: 800-535-8767 or Web: www.lektro.com
FCX Systems’ 28VCD Diesel GPU
Who doesn’t want more power? If you’re handling a ramp full of aircraft of various shapes, sizes and appetites for electricity, FCX Systems has a unit you’ll be interested in. Their new 28VDC Diesel GPU combines a 99-hp QSB4.5 Cummins Turbo-diesel engine with a Marathon 60HZ generator and ties that into the solid-state, multi-input rectifier rated at 600 amp, 2,500 peak performance (2,000 peak amps using diesel power). The electric, solid-state rectifier has superior voltage regulation and line-drop compensation for stable end-of-cable performance. The unit packs plenty of power to handle the heaviest of iron.
The 28VDC GPU also features an eight-plus hour fuel tank, which is ideal for aircraft undergoing maintenance, fifth-wheel steering design with tow bar actuated front drum brakes, engine block heater, low fuel shut off and high water temperature shut off.
For more information, phone: 304-983-0400 or Web: www.fcxinc.com
JLG’s 740AJ Fall Arrest Platform
Whether it’s out on the ramp or in the hangar, fall accidents account for way too many serious injuries among aircraft maintenance technicians. Sure there are fall arrest systems, but they’re just too confining for most technicians, and besides, the tech is, "just going to walk out on the wing," right?
JLG’s new 740AJ Fall Arrest Platform is a big step in changing that perception. With its specially designed harness attaching system, the unit permits a technician to move a full 270-degrees around the platform within a radius of six-feet. So technicians can position the platform in a location to permit total access to tail surfaces, fuselages and wings, all while enjoying unprecedented flexibility and fall protection. As an additional safety feature, owners can also add JLG’s optional "Soft Touch" which surrounds the lower part of the platform with a suspended padded rail. Should that rail come in contact with any part of the aircraft’s structure, the operator is alerted and all machine functions are automatically deactivated.
The standard 740AJ features a six-foot articulating jib, which is capable of reaching any surface on any production aircraft up to the military C5B. It also has four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering for unprecedented maneuverability, 180-degree hydraulic platform rotor, easy-access operator’s tool tray, 2,500 watt generator, tilt alarm with indicator light and a 90 mph jet blast rating.
For more information, phone: 717-485-5161 or Web: www.jlg.com
MOTOTOK’s Radio Controlled Aircraft Positioning Unit
We’ve all heard of radio-controlled airplanes, but a full-sized radio controlled aircraft tug? Well, now that’s something new. Why radio control? Think of it – with MOTOTOK’s extremely low profile and small size, it can maneuver around and even under aircraft with no chance of "hangar rash." No more trying to jockey a standard tug in between parked aircraft. MOTOTOK could pay for itself in reduced insurance claims alone.
According to the company, the smallest MOTOTOK, Model m20, can handle single nosewheel aircraft weighing up to 4,200 pounds. Other models are available to tow aircraft weighting up to 66,000 pounds. And because of its "universal grip mechanism" MOTOTOK needs no special adapters to different nosewheel sizes. Just drive it up to the airplane, lift the nose and go. MOTOTOK units feature robust, high-power motors and long lasting, 12 V maintenance-free gel batteries with high cycling capacity.
MOTOTOK is controlled via an ergonomically designed, user-friendly wireless controller that is worn like a belt. The remote features a variety of built-in signal safety locks to eliminate the chance of cross-controlling. No matter what you think of a radio controlled aircraft tug, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be the most talked about piece of GSE you’ll find on any ramp.
For more information, phone: 541-747-9438 or Web: www.mototok.com
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