Rheinmetall eMSU marks an important milestone in the aviation industry
Rheinmetall Canada, specialising in the industry for Ground support equipment, has completed operational tests with Air Canada and its electric air start unit Rheinmetall eMSU (electric Motor Start Unit).
The result is the first all-electric air launch unit, which also serves as a new benchmark in the electric ground support equipment sector.
Properties of the eMSU
According to the information provided, the eMSU supplies the aircraft engines with compressed air via an electrically powered turbine compressor and a special, integrated battery system. This enables independent operation without an external power source. Accordingly, there is no need for a fixed power supply at the gate or a separate ground power unit.
Rheinmetall reports that the eMSU can launch regional jets, narrow-bodied aircraft and even wide-bodied aircraft in this way. In addition, the eMSU can also be used for maintenance work on engines.
The eMSU is compactly mounted on a trailer. It can be charged at a normal car charging station with up to 100 kW. It also heats up quickly and offers good pneumatic performance.
Sustainability through eMSU
The aim is for the Rheinmetall eMSU to help other airlines and ground support service providers achieve their sustainability and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets once it has been launched on the market.