New green technology to cut emissions at Moray airbase
RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons to be supported with new battery units
RAF Typhoons at Lossiemouth will be supported by up by 40 new electric battery ground power units following a recent trial with BAE Systems. The units will replace diesel powered systems and reduce emissions by more than 90%, also cutting running costs by 80%.
The new units have a 95% reduction in fumes and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. Over 40% of the CO2 footprint from Typhoon ground operations comes from the diesel units so the transition will almost eradicate those emissions.
The previous diesel units cost £20 per hour to run compared just £3 per hour now. They only require an eight-hour charge to power a Typhoon aircraft for an entire week. This will save more than £13 million across the fleet over the next decade. The new units also require less maintenance and spares.
The electric batteries produce less than 60 decibels of noise which is equivalent to the sound of a dishwasher or electric shower. This will significantly reduce hazards and improve conditions for ground crew and pilots.
Nick Sharples, Head of Technology Delivery, Support and Training for BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “Not only will the new ground power units reduce the environmental impact of operations, we are also lowering the cost of running the UK Typhoon fleet, with each new electric ground power unit costing £340,000 less to run over a 10 year period.”
Flight Lieutenant Adam Hayler of the Typhoon Development Team said: “In addition to its green credentials, its maintenance costs are much reduced, meaning that overall operating costs are also lower. We estimate that it costs 15% of the current diesel solution; which is a clear benefit in light of current energy prices and maintenance costs.”