A vital asset to every pilot and aviation expert, read below to understand the functions of a portable power unit.
A helicopter starting unit is a mobile device that helps initiate the starting sequence. Due to its convenience and high power, landing pads tend to store several of these in their storage. Many of them are lightweight and portable. Their reliability has made them one of the most important tools when starting up an engine.
Power Output
Portable units range in their energy output. Some of the most common starting units come in 24V, 26V, and 28V. Many of the larger helicopters require two independent units working in tandem with each other. A larger power supply source is required for those.
Lithium and Lead-Acid
These units are either made from lithium or lead-acid. They both offer the same amount of voltage as well as power, but there are some significant differences. Lithium batteries offer twice the battery life of a lead-acid battery without any sulfation issues. Also lithium batteries tend to be half a lead-acid battery’s weight as well as size. It comes down to personal preference when one chooses which type of battery to use.
Airplane Starting Units
This power supply can also function as an airplane starting unit as well. For small to medium sized turbine engines, these units can help get an airplane’s engine booted up in no time. If you’ve looked outside the large glass windows of a terminal in an airport, you’ll see what looks like a box with a long handle attached to it. This is the portable starting unit that the maintenance crew will bring out and attach to the airplane itself.