Red Box portable power unit

Citation

(1999), "Red Box portable power unit", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771bad.010

Red Box portable power unit

Red Box portable power unit

Keywords Helicopters, Power packs, Red Box

A Red Box hand portable RB 50 power pack has reportedly enabled ASW Air Services of Hamburg to overcome starting problems experienced by its McDonnell-Douglas 520N helicopter when the temperature drops below 0ºC. Under these conditions the on-board nickel cadmium cells have difficulty in starting the engine without assistance.

Red Box advanced dry lead acid battery packs are self-contained units designed specifically for aircraft starting. Even under the most adverse conditions it is believed that the units can be used for direct engine starting or to fire up auxiliary power units for large jet engines. They are air transportable, have no memory retention, require no maintenance and can be stored for long periods. They meet MIL specs and are NATO codified.

Smallest in the hand portable range, the RB 25 MINIPAK weighs only 14kg and is the ultimate in lightweight packaged power. Able to start major light helicopters and the largest fixed wing piston engines, it can be recharged using the in-built high power electronic three-stage charger or rapidly from the onboard aircraft generator. It is said to be ideal for operators requiring the security of standby power carried on board.

RB 50, the unit used by ASW Air Services, weighs less than 25kg yet is able to provide an instantaneous 26V output at 1,500 amps. Capacity is 25 amp hours, enough for several starts of medium to heavy turbine aircraft and helicopters.

Largest, the Red Box RB 75, can be carried by two men. Weighing 32kg and measuring 440mm × 110mm × 460mm it provides 1,600 amps instantaneous power.

For more regular, heavy usage, trolley units are a quiet, safe source of high current supply up to and beyond 3,500 amps instantaneous power. They are much smaller, cheaper and more convenient than engine powered starting trolleys. Continuous filtered dc power for general workshop use, on board lighting and avionics/weapon systems checking is also available.

Further details from Red Box Intl. Tel: +44 (0) 1794 368116; Fax: +44 (0) 1794 367832.