Air Start Units
Let's get started!
Rheinmetall manufactures Air Start Units for commercial and military purposes.
The task to be performed is to start all main engines of today's and tomorrows generation of aircraft up to the most demanding B777-300ER and A380. The Rheinmetall Air Start Units have proven their reliability since 1996.
Read more about our ASU family:
-> The new Rheinmetall eMSU
-> Mobile Start Unit MSU 200/400
-> Air Start Units for civil use
-> Air Start Units for military use
Rheinmetall eMSU
A fully electric air start unit for more sustainable airports
The aviation industry is seeing a significant move toward lower emission levels and healthier air quality at airports. The Rheinmetall eMSU - the world’s first fully electric air start unit - is one part of this worldwide mission to reduce the carbon footprint of airports, meet new emission standards, and improve air quality and working conditions for ground support teams.
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The fully electric Rheinmetall eMSU starts aircraft with zero fuel and zero carbon emissions. It is powered by lithium-ion battery packs that ensure maximum running time and minimal energy loss. The eMSU is suitable for use in all climates and meets all the most stringent emission restrictions currently out there, plus even stricter ones that are planned for the future!
This trailblazing technology contributes to reducing net carbon emissions and helps build a future for aviation that is safer and cleaner than what we have today.
Rheinmetall eMSU, a zero-emission air start unit
MSU 200/400 – The Mobile Start Unit
When turbines drive turbines!
The Air Start Units of the MSU family are powered by a simple cycle bleed type gas turbine of the latest state of the art design.
The units deliver compressed air for the main engine start and for the operation of the onboard environmental control system.
The MSU family features the benefits of compact design and multi fuel capability. High reliability and no scheduled maintenance result in very low cost of ownership. The successful operation of the units is proven in all climatic conditions on all five continents.
Safety features are incorporated in the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) which includes an integrated Built-In-Test-Equipment (BITE).
The MSU is powered by a simple cycle bleed type gas turbine of the latest state of the art design. The units deliver compressed air for starting the main engine (MES-mode) and for the operation of the onboard Environmental Control System (ECS-mode). The two modes are detected automatically.
The main advantages are:
- modular design
- no scheduled maintenance
- low cost of ownership
- small in size and low in weight
- high enhance reliability
- multi fuel capability
- operational capability in all climate conditions and altitudes without special preparation
- Bleed Air Output 204 / 408 ppm (1.54 / 3.08 kg/s)
- Bleed pressure 56 psia (3,86 bar abs.)
- Fuels Diesel or Jet fuel
* at 15°C ambient temperature, sea level
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Air Start Units for commercial use
For civilian needs, Rheinmetall manufactures air start units for aircraft engines featuring the benefits of compact design, high reliability and efficiency, and low operating costs.
Air Start Unit MSU 200 T (Trailer)
MSU 200 T (Trailer) is easy to operate and easy to maneuver by a single person. The air start unit is capable of starting the majority of common aircraft.
Air Start Unit MSU 200 V (Van)
MSU 200 V is mounted on a Mercedes 311 CDI. Installation on other comparable chassis is possible to customer's requirements.
Air Start Unit MSU 400 V (Van)
Two modules form the MSU 400 which is available as a stand alone version or mounted on a Mercedes Benz 509 CDI or other comparable chassis according to the customer's requirements. The modules can be operated in parallel or separately. The MSU 400 V supplies sufficient air to all existing aircraft.
Military Air Start Units
The mission is to start military aircraft engines.
Military users worldwide recognize the advantages of Rheinmetall's MSU. Limited space even on an aircraft carrier require a compact and modular design. The high reliable MSU is able to fulfill the needs of military users. The compact design allows air transportability.
Air Start Unit MSU-E 200T
Let's get started the Eurofighter: German Air Force is using exclusivly Rheinmetall's MSU-E to start Eurofighter
The very compact MSU-E 200T is a multi-purpose unit combining an Air Start Unit (ASU) and a 90 kVA Ground Power Unit (GPU). Dual operation is possible.
