Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to receive new electric ground power units
The new ground power units will support RAF Typhoon jets at Coningsby and Lossiemouth after a trial by BAE Systems. (Photo: BAE Systems)
RAF Typhoons will be powered by 40 new electric battery ground power units (GPUs) following a trial conducted by BAE Systems. The units will replace diesel powered systems and harmful emissions by more than 90% while cutting running costs by 80%.
The new GPUs will deliver sustainable ground power to Typhoon jets at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, with a 95% reduction in NOX fumes and 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.
The previous diesel units cost £20 ($24) per hour to run compared to the new units at £3 per hour for an eight-hour charge to power a Typhoon aircraft for a week. This is said to save more than £13 million across the fleet over a decade. The new units also require less maintenance and spares.
Related Articles
Airbus and Royal Air Force achieve sustainable aviation fuel milestone
Flt Lt Adam Hayler, DE&S Typhoon Development Team said: 'In addition to its green credentials, [the GPU's] maintenance costs are much reduced, meaning that overall operating costs are also lower. We estimate that it costs 15% of the current diesel solution; which is a clear benefit in light of current energy prices and maintenance costs.'
More from Air Warfare
-
Malaysian Army leases Black Hawk helicopters
Malaysia is leasing a quartet of Black Hawks, giving the army its first taste of operating the American-built helicopter.
-
Bangladesh Army seeks family of UAVs
The Bangladesh Army is seeking some commonality in a family of new UAVs that will serve for the next 15 years.
-
Boeing kicks off US Air Force B-52 bomber radar upgrade
The radar upgrade is part of the wider B-52 modernisation programme that aims to keep the Stratofortress in the air until 2050 and beyond.