High-power diesel Ground Power Unit with dual 400 Hz channels and DC starting capability

The APA-165/APA-165E family is ElectroAir’s high-capacity diesel-driven GPU platform designed for powering and starting modern commercial and military aircraft.
It combines dual 400 Hz AC channels up to 2×180 kVA with flexible 28.5 VDC and 24/48 V starting options, making it suitable for both narrow-body and wide-body fleets, as well as heavy-duty apron operations.

The APA-165 series is available as a towable composite-cased GPU and as the APA-165E truck-mounted ground mobile electrical unit for customers requiring integrated chassis solutions.

Main specifications (APA-165 family)

🔹 Execution: Diesel engine driven mobile GPU
🔹 AC output: up to 2×180 kVA, 3×115/200 V, 400 Hz
🔹 DC output (depending on configuration): up to 2×28.5 VDC/800 A continuous, overload up to 2000 A
🔹 Optional 24/48 V engine start modes via dedicated DC connectors
🔹 Efficiency: ≈97% (AC & DC converters)
🔹 Power factor: >0.8 at 100% load
🔹 Total harmonic distortion (AC): ≤3%
🔹 Protection class: IP55 (APA-165), IP54 (APA-165E converter block)
🔹 Operating temperature range: –20°C to +55°C (standard), APA-165E: –40°C to +50°C
🔹 Humidity: 10–100%
🔹 Noise: according to international airport GSE standards
🔹 Dimensions (towable APA-165): 3700x1700x1850 mm, weight <3000–3400 kg

APA-165E – Truck-mounted ground mobile electrical unit

The APA-165E (APA-5D) is a ground mobile electrical unit installed on an IVECO NEXT 4×2 chassis, designed for combined AC and DC supply and engine starting in demanding apron operations.

Main load modes:
🔹 120/208 V 400 Hz AC, 3N, up to ≥120 kVA, 2 channels, voltage regulation ±20 V
🔹 36-37 V 400 Hz AC, ≈1.5 kVA, 20 A, 1 socket
🔹 28.5 VDC, 600 A nominal, up to 2 channels (via SHRAP connectors), overload up to 2000A/2s
🔹 24/48 V start mode, up to 500/1200 A (2 min)
🔹 Start via SHRAP-250М, ≥28.5 V, 1250 A, 2 channels
🔹 Additional sockets: 125 A 400 V 50 Hz 3-phase, 36 V 400 Hz socket, adapters and cables included

The APA-165E is ideal for operators who require a truck-integrated GPU and starter platform with extended cable sets and dual control – on the unit and in the vehicle cabin.

APA-165 (EAC-2×180) – Dual 400 Hz AC diesel GPU

🔹 2x180 kVA 400 Hz outputs
🔹 Output voltage: 3×115/200 V, PE
🔹 Frequency: 400 ±0.01 Hz
🔹 Load range: 0–100%
🔹 Overload capability: 110% for 600 s, 125% for 300 s
🔹 Crest factor: 1.414 ±3%
🔹 Output voltage modulation factor: ≤1.5%
🔹 THD: ≤3%

This configuration is designed for operations where only 400 Hz AC is required, such as powering large aircraft at gates or remote stands.

APA-165 (EACR-2×180/800) – AC + single DC channel

🔹 Same AC performance as EAC-2×180 (2×180 kVA, 400 Hz)
🔹 DC output: 1×28.5 VDC/800 A continuous
🔹 DC overload capability:
    • 1200 A – 50 s
    • 1800 A – 10 s
    • 2000 A – 2 s

Perfect for stands where both 400 Hz AC and 28.5 VDC are needed for mixed fleet support.

APA-165 (EACR-2×180/2×800) – AC+dual DC channels

🔹 AC: 2×180 kVA, 3×115/200 V, 400 Hz
🔹 DC: 2×28.5 VDC / 800 A continuous
🔹 Overload per DC channel as above (up to 2000 A / 2 s)

This configuration supports simultaneous DC servicing of two aircraft or two independent DC circuits, while still providing full dual 400 Hz AC capability.

APA-165 with 24/48 V start capability

Some APA-165 configurations add dedicated 24/48 V starting outputs (via SRAP 250 connectors), enabling high-current start for aircraft requiring 24/48 V systems while retaining 28.5 VDC servicing.

🔹 Up to 2×28.5 VDC / 800 A via SRAP 500
🔹 24/48 V start via SRAP 250 outputs
🔹 48 V overload capability: up to 2000 A for 2 s

Common platform features (all APA-165 variants)

✅ Diesel engine from Perkins / Deutz with electric start and water-cooled closed circuit
✅ Fuel tank sized for >8 hours at 100% load
✅ Composite noise-insulated casing, galvanized steel frame, IP55 protection
✅ Solid tubeless wheels, towbar with interlock, parking brake with towbar in upright position
✅ NATO towing eye DIN D40/F
✅ Beacon lights on the unit roof and integrated work lights
✅ EMC input/output filters and automatic line drop compensation
✅ MIL/CIV interlock mode and error log storage via USB
✅ Comprehensive protections: over/undervoltage, over/underfrequency, overload, short-circuit, overheating
✅ Engine automatic shutdown on low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, or overspeed
✅ Emergency stop button for immediate total shutdown

Use cases

🔹 Power supply for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft at gates and remote stands
🔹 Combined 400 Hz and 28.5 VDC support for mixed fleets
🔹 Engine starting for aircraft requiring high inrush current or 24/48 V systems
🔹 Operations in harsh climates and high-duty airport environments
🔹 Military and special-mission support where redundancy and flexibility are critical