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.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.