Electrification: The Future of Ground Support Equipment
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) plays a significant role in modern aviation operations. Comprised of aircraft mobility elements, cargo loading equipment, power supplies, and other tools, GSE helps prepare the aircraft for its next flight with efficiency. With electrification becoming an increasingly popular trend among airline companies, there has been a recent push to create electric GSE in order to save money and further reduce carbon emissions. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of electric GSE being currently implemented and what technology helps power these green devices.
Before understanding the electronification of GSE, it is first important to understand what equipment is currently being used in such operations. Below is a list of commonly used GSE, along with a brief description:
Belt Loaders
Used for loading and unloading passenger cargo, belt loaders are driveable conveyor belts that align with the baggage compartment during operation.
Baggage Tugs
These small vehicles carry baggage-containing carts around the tarmac.
Container Loaders
For cargo containers or other large luggage items, heavy-duty container loaders are implemented to help load and unload such items. These vehicles consist of a pilot area and a large platform to which the cargo is added.
Pushback Tractors
Producing more force than any other Ground Support Equipment, pushback tractors are used to help move aircraft from the gate onto the tarmac for taxiing. They come in several sizes, supporting anything from personal aircraft to large cargo jets. In addition to their role in gate pushback, these tractors may also be implemented to tow aircraft to the needed location.
Lavatory Trucks
Waste from onboard lavatories must be handled very carefully, as it poses a significant health and hygiene risk to those involved with its disposal. While some airports implement specialized trucks with an embedded drainage hose and tank, others use an external tank towed by a regular vehicle. After collecting the waste, lavatory trucks refill the onboard tank with a water-disinfectant mixture to prepare for the next flight.
Potable Water Trucks
In order to supply clean, filtered drinking water to aircraft occupants, it must be transported in specialized water trucks to safeguard against any environmental hazards. Water trucks also contain a pump to refill the onboard tanks.
Most of the listed vehicles have historically been powered by gasoline or diesel, but many airports are looking to replace their fleets with electrical equipment. Since GSE is more likely to remain idle while waiting for aircraft to arrive, it also experiences constant start and stops, with electronification becoming an attractive option due to the potential cost savings. Additionally, many loaders and pump trucks require near-perfect alignment with the aircraft, which is more difficult to achieve with a sporadic gas or diesel power source.
Of the various rechargeable battery types on the market, most airports choose to fit their fleet with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries recharge quickly and have a broad range of operating temperatures. Additionally, their charging stations can be installed virtually anywhere, and the FAA offers financial support to airports looking to install such stations.
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