Selecting the Correct GPU

 


Selecting the correct model of GPU can sometimes be a confusing task. It’s essential that the GPU you select for starting turbines and for providing sufficient power for pre-flight checks, provides the performance and product lifespan that you need. Powervamp is a world-renowned ground power unit manufacturer for the aviation industry since 1993. We’re also experts in providing services like emergency lighting products and aircraft static inverters.

The following checklist has been specifically designed to assist Powervamp customers with their GPU selection. Of course, Powervamp’s technical support department or appointed distributors will also be pleased to offer advice in helping you select the correct GPU.

Index

 


Need help to start your 12V aircraft?

12V GA Pack. Perfect for starting all 12V DC piston engines.

Powervamp - 12V GA Pack

Features:

  • 2400 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • External charger with LED status
  • Tough polyethylene case
  • 3 LED battery charge status
  • USB socket for phone/tablet charging
  • Output key isolator switch
12V GA Pack

 


Operating a small airfield?

12/24 GA Pack. Ideal for all 12V & 24V DC piston engines and small turbines. Can also be used on airfield support vehicles.

Powervamp - 1224V GA Pack

Features:

  • 2400 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • External charger with LED status
  • Tough polyethylene case
  • 3 LED battery charge status
  • USB socket for phone/tablet charging
  • External 750A output fuse
12/24V GA Pack

 


Is the pack for emergency use only?

GPU1700.  A GPU with minimum capacity may be sufficient, as it is unlikely to encounter intense usage.

GPU 1700 - Powervamp

Features:

  • 1700 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • All-welded stainless steel case
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary socket for charging
  • Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock
GPU1700

 


Running a flight training school?

GPU1700 Twin.  Built for multiple starts on light aircraft such as the Cessna 175. Perfect for the first start of the day.

Powervamp - GPU1700 Twin

Features:

  • 3400 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • All-welded stainless steel case
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary socket for charging
  • Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock
GPU1700 Twin

 


Will the GPU be used for programming/pre-flight checks before spool-up?

GPU2400.  Allow additional amp/hr capacity to ensure a cool start.

Powervamp GPU 2400

Features:

  • 2450 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • All-welded stainless steel case
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary socket for charging
  • Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock
GPU2400

 


Offshore platform or heli-deck?

GPU2400 Twin. Best option for the variety of large twin engine helicopters utilised in this sector.

Powervamp - GPU2400 Twin

Features:

  • 4900 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • All-welded stainless steel case
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary socket for charging
  • Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock
GPU2400 Twin

 


Will the pack be carried on board?

Coolspool 17.  You’ll need to consider the weight of the unit, but beware of reducing weight at the cost of performance.

Powervamp Coolspool 17

Features:

  • 1600 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • Light aluminium case with carry handle
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary/accessory socket
  • Available in 26V or 28V DC versions
Coolspool 17

 


Large twin turbine engine?

Coolspool 29.  Increased performance when compared to a 24V DC unit, resulting in cooler starts.

Powervamp - Coolspool 29

Features:

  • 2400 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • Aluminium case with carry handle
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary/accessory socket
  • Available in 26V or 28V DC versions
Coolspool 29

 


Multiple starts or pre-flight checks required?

Coolspool 29 Twin.  Provides high performance, and with a 52 amp/hour capacity makes it an independent power source.

Powervamp - Coolspool 29 Twin

Features:

  • 4800 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Internal chargers with LED status
  • Aluminium case with carry handle
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary/accessory socket
  • Available in 26V or 28V DC versions
Coolspool 29 Twin

 


Will the GPU be used for regular avionics or maintenance work?

GPU1500/40.  Batteries are not designed for the continuous powering of avionics. Consider a GPU with internal power supply.

Powervamp - GPU 150040-2

Features:

  • 2400 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • Dual internal chargers with LED status
  • 40A continuous power supply
  • Aluminium case with carry handle
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary/accessory socket
GPU 1500/40

 


Is engine free turbine or shaft turbine/turboprop?

GPU1500/40 Twin.  Longer spool-up times of shaft turbines will require more amp/hr capacity.

Powervamp GPU1500/40 Twin

Features:

  • 4800 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM Batteries
  • cleared for air transportation
  • Dual internal chargers with LED status
  • 80A continuous power supply
  • Aluminium case with carry handle
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Auxiliary/accessory sockets
GPU 1500/40 Twin

 


Will the GPU be used as the main ramp/hangar GPU on multiple operations?

Coolspool 130.  It’s best to extend the GPU life with extra amp/hour capacity.

Powervamp coolspool 130

Features:

  • 4000 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply
  • Solid state ammeter
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Removable tow arm
  • Heavy duty push/pull isolator
Coolspool 130

 


Is the GPU required for regular compressor washing?

Coolspool 260.  It’s likely the battery will need replacing regularly if using a small pack.

coolspool-260

Features:

  • 8000 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply
  • Solid state ammeter
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Removable tow arm
  • Heavy duty push/pull isolator
Coolspool 260

 


How many engine starts are required before the GPU can be re-charged?

Coolspool 410.  Starts require amp/hr capacity to maintain volts. More starts require more amp/hr capacity and more weight, and therefore a larger cart.

Powervamp coolspool-410

Features:

  • 4700 peak amps
  • Sealed lead acid AGM batteries
  • Cleared for air transportation
  • 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Solid state ammeter
  • Removable tow arm
  • Heavy duty push/pull isolator
Coolspool 410

 


No mains electrical supply?

Coolspool Hybrid 300.  This unit combines a diesel driven 300A power supply for continuous use & 4 x 225A batteries for engine starts.  It can also be connected to a suitable mains power supply for silent operation in the hangar.

Powervamp - coolspool hybrid 300

Features:

  • 5000 peak amps
  • 300A continuous current
  • Support 24V/26V and 28.5V DC systems
  • Instant turbine starting power exceeding 2000 amps
  • Hangar feature without diesel operation
  • Emission compliant Kubota engine
  • 110V/230V 50/60Hz power outlet
  • -20 to +50°C operating range
Coolspool Hybrid 300

 


Need 14V or 28V hangar power for maintenance & avionics updates?

PS30.  With its 14/28V DC switchable capabilities, this power supply will power the majority of light aircraft, including small/medium sized helicopters.

Powervamp - PS30

Features:

  • 30A at 14V DC / 28V DC continuous power
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Protective jacket included
  • Short circuit / current limit protection
  • Mains on/off switch
  • Power supply LED status indicators
  • Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet
  • Light aluminium case with handle
PS30

 


PS50M.  Alternatively the PS50 is the ideal solution for the majority of light aircraft, including small/medium sized helicopters.

Powervamp - PS50

Features:

  • 50A / 28V DC continuous power
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Protective jacket included
  • Short circuit / current limit protection
  • Mains on/off switch
  • Power supply LED status indicators
  • Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet
  • Light aluminium case with handle
PS50

 


PS100. For larger aircraft choose the more powerful 100A power supply.

PS100

Features:

  • 100A / 28V DC continuous power
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Solid state ammeter
  • Short circuit / current limit protection
  • 28V DC accessory socket
  • Power supply LED status indicators
  • Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet
PS100

 


PS300.  For aircraft with air conditioning, and other power hungry requirements, the PS300 ideal.

PS300

Features:

  • 300A / 28V DC continuous power
  • Solid state voltmeter
  • Solid state ammeter
  • Lightweight aluminium case with handle
  • Short circuit / current limit protection
  • Emergency stop push button
  • Power supply LED status indicators
  • Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet
PS300

 


Still unsure on the correct GPU?

Allow our Ground Power Selector to make the choice for you.

Select the manufacturer and model of your aircraft. The Ground Power Selector will recommend the most suitable starter unit & power supply.

Ground Power Selector

Disclaimer
The information and data within this brochure regarding pack size, performance and engine models is given in good faith as a guide only. The company accepts no responsibility for errors and omissions. Selecting any portable GPU is not an exact science. It is a compromise between weight, size, necessary performance, recharge time, battery life and price. It should be noted that the life of the GPU is dependent on the level of discharge each time the GPU is used. The deeper the discharge, then the sooner will be the time when batteries need replacing. Where possible it is always preferable and more cost effective to buy a GPU with the maximum amp/hr capacity.

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