JUNE 2023AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19Using diesel power has many benefits. Maintenance requirements are significantly reduced with the high reliability of diesel power. The unit is quieter than the legacy equipment it replaces. And, of real importance to reducing the logistics tail, the AgileAir can run a full 8 hours on a single tank of fuel. The fuel efficiency of the diesel powerplant is 5 to 7 times greater than units using jet turbines. AgileAir is a truly capable bit of agile, mobile AGE. Conditioned air is supplied at 100 ppm airflow, at up to 6 psig static pressure with discharge temperatures of 40F to 60F. ECS air is produced at 100 ppm at 50 to 65 psig. Output electrical power is 75kVA with options for 28VDC.Army Applications Like the Air Force, the Army has similar needs for agility and mobility in the ground support equipment servicing its large fleet of rotary and other aircraft types. Following on the success of AgileAir, JBT developed the AgilePower multi-purpose, multi-capable towable cart. AgilePower is a modernized ground support cart (AGPU 1.1) that uses proven technologies, configured in a unique way, to provide pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical power flightline support capabilities. The unit is a single, compact, fuel efficient, air transportable cart designed to support rotary aircraft such as the AH 64, CH 47, UH 60 and UH 72. The unit is air transportable on the CH 47, C 130 and other aircraft. AgilePower supplies 400 Hz, 28 VDC, and 60 Hz electrical power. Additionally, it supplies hydraulic power at 0 to 20 gpm @500 to 3500 psi as well as pneumatic support at 30 ­ 40 lb/minute at 30 to 50 psig. Powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 Tier III diesel engine, AgilePower delivers exceptional capability with great fuel efficiency and reliability.Navy ApplicationsAnother recent mobile, multi-capable aircraft support product from JBT is the Shipboard Mobile Electric Power Plant (SMEPP) developed for use on US Navy aircraft carriers.SMEPP is a self-propelled cart supplying 400 Hz, 270 VDC, and 28VDC electrical power for all the aircraft used by the US Navy.The mobile power plant is driveable and highly compact for carrier use. Its tight, 13 foot turn radius is ideal for operations in tight spaces and its electric drive makes it ideal for hangar applications. The unit is air-transportable and comes with space-saving integral cable storage areas. Electric power available as 115 VAC / 75 kVA, 270 VDC / 72 kW, and 28 VDC / 14 kW. Power and overload capabilities makes the SMEPP fully compatible with the F 35 fighter.SummaryAgile, multi-purpose, multi-capable aircraft ground equipment is the focus for next generation flightline support AGE. Compact, robust, flexible ground support equipment is essential to help the US Military meet its new doctrinal objectives. Fortunately, there are new AGE products entering the market ready to meet the challenge. AGILE, MULTI-PURPOSE, MULTI-CAPABLE AIRCRAFT GROUND EQUIPMENT IS THE FOCUS FOR NEXT-GENERATION FLIGHTLINE SUPPORT AGE
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