One of the key topics at the new GSE Expo Europe, which will be held in Paris from September 13-15, 2022, is sustainable drives. This is a field in which Goldhofer has been setting new standards, particularly with regard to electric high-performance solutions for ground handling. Goldhofer will be presenting their latest solutions for emission-free ground handling with their electrically powered new PHOENIX E towbarless tractor, SHERPA E cargo tractors and BISON E conventional aircraft tractors plus the Goldhofer LINK IoT platform. Together with their partners, Goldhofer will be taking advantage of the Paris event to underscore their claim as a full service provider for electric ground handling. ABB E-mobility will be present at the joint booth with a DC fast charger, EFM will be demonstrating the capabilities and benefits of their pushback and towing training simulator and Rheinmetall will be showcasing the eMSU, the first fully electric air start unit on the market.
“The future at airports worldwide is electric and our intelligent, broad-based portfolio, along with that of our partners, provides mature capabilities for trouble-free operations,” says Lothar Holder, Head of Airport Technology at Goldhofer. With the PHOENIX E, Goldhofer will be showcasing the most powerful vehicle in its electrically powered ground handling fleet: The towbarless aircraft tractor offers zero-emission handling of 70 percent of all passenger and cargo aircraft on the market today up to a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 352 t. The SHERPA E to be shown in Paris is ideal for a wide range of operations on the apron. With its impressive performance, the model is a convincing alternative to a diesel cargo tow tractor. With up to 8 tons of ballast as required in the individual case, the e-cargo tractor has the traction needed to tow heavy loads up to 80 t, and also to handle pushbacks with smaller aircraft with up to 50 t take-off weight
The BISON E 620 can handle up to 250 t. It features an intelligent cockpit designed for easy operation and is engineered with robust, durable components. All Goldhofer e-vehicles operate with the proven IonMaster technology. It employs extremely efficient lithium-ion battery systems and high-voltage technology with 400 or 700 V plus an active thermal management system (TMS) for significantly longer battery life under even the most grueling operating and environmental conditions including extremes of heat and cold. “Our solutions for switching to all-electric operation combine the same high standards of performance with fast intermediate charging and zero-emission working,” says Lothar Holder.
Intelligent vehicle performance management
Goldhofer will also be bringing the second package of its LINK telemetry system to Paris. The IoT platform was unveiled at GSE Expo 2021 in Las Vegas. The system is designed to provide digital mapping for all product and maintenance functionalities. This makes Goldhofer’s LINK the perfect tool for intelligent vehicle performance management.
Strong partnerships for zero-emission airports
“Eco-friendly airport operation on a consistent basis presupposes a perfect fit of the various components involved. This is why we are committed to close cooperation with numerous partners. Our policy of intensive cooperation is another aspect we will be highlighting at the GSE Expo,” says Christof Peer, Sales Director Airport Technology at Goldhofer.
ABB E-mobility, a leading global provider of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, will be presenting a 50 kW DC charging station in Paris. It offers fast and reliable charging for apron vehicles like the PHOENIX E with a minimum break during ongoing operations. The goal of maximum vehicle availability is supported by a digital link to the charging station: Potential faults are immediately detected and can often be corrected through a remote intervention.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the training facilities and benefits available with a highly realistic, state-of-the-art pushback and towing training simulator working with true-to-life BISON and PHOENIX models. The Munich training centre operated by EFM since 2020 has clearly demonstrated the advantages for users: With significantly reduced training costs and times, there has been a marked improvement in the quality of the training.
At the Goldhofer stand, Rheinmetall will be presenting its all-electric eMSU, which allows for carbon-free engine starts and reductions in overall ground operations emissions. It is powered by lithium-ion battery packs that ensure maximum running time and minimal energy loss.
The eMSU requires very low maintenance and is designed to thrive in harsh conditions. The Rheinmetall eMSU meets the most stringent emission restrictions in force today, plus even stricter ones that are being planned. It is undoubtedly the greenest ASU solution on the market.