BAE Systems supplies sustainable power for RAF Typhoon jets

Electric ground power units will power RAF Typhoon jets. (Photo: BAE Systems)

Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets will be powered by up to 40 new electric battery ground power units following a trial conducted with BAE Systems on a Typhoon Squadron. The units will replace diesel-powered systems and are expected to reduce emissions by more than 90% and running costs by 80%.

The battery powered units will deliver ground power to Typhoon jets at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby and require only an eight-hour charge to power a Typhoon aircraft for an entire week. The units have a 95% reduction in NOX fumes and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions, said BAE Systems. With over 40% of the CO2 footprint from Typhoon ground operations coming from the diesel units, the transition is expected to save more than 3 million lb. of CO2, the company added.

It’s also expected to save substantial cost. The diesel ground power units cost £20 ($24) per hour to run compared to £3 ($3.61) per hour for the new ground power units. This will save more than £13m ($15.7m) across the fleet over the next decade, BAE Systems said. The new units also require less maintenance and spares.

The electric batteries produce less than 60 dB of noise, which will significantly reduce hazards and improve conditions for ground crew and pilots.

“Improving environmental performance where we can in fast-jet support is a key goal for both BAE Systems and the RAF,” said Nick Sharples head of technology, delivery, support and training for BAE Systems’ Air sector. “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 £340k ($410k) less to run over a 10-year period.”