The Ground Power Modernization Program
The Ground Power Modernization (GPM) Program produces the 72kW ground power unit (GPU) for the Agile Combat Support (ACS) Directorate of the United States Air Force (USAF), designed to provide stand-alone external ground power to all aircraft in the USAF inventory. The ground power unit supports the ACS Directorate and is manufactured with the mission of sustaining and protecting air and space forces across a full range of military operations.
Program Overview and Development History
In November 2022, PD Power Systems was an awardee by the USAF for a 10-year, IDIQ contract for 72-kilowatt ground power units. The contract provides for development, testing, and production of the ground power units, along with associated data deliverables, including test reports, provisioning, technical manuals, and field support. PD Power Systems developed a 72kW ground Power Unit that powers the USAF’s entire aircraft fleet, meeting all program thresholds and objectives.
PD Power Systems has been delivering and supporting first-class power products for decades. Our vast experience with MIL-STD product development, testing, and verification, along with a multitude of industry and organizational certifications.
Our experience with Ground Power Equipment stems from the design and production of ground power units in support of a USAF contract for the Boeing F-15SA program. PD Power Systems continues to provide hardware, production, and logistics support to this ongoing program that began in 2013.
The 72kW GPU is another addition to PD Power Systems’ family of products with innovative design and end-to-end provisioning for complete support throughout the life cycle of the product. The ground power unit is a stand-alone, trailer-mounted, selfcontained unit capable of providing external ground power to all mission-critical USAF aircraft.
Dimensions
Length (in.): 108
Width (in.): 84
Height (in.): 70
Weight (lbs.): 7,000
Modular Design Features
- Engine, generator and related components
- Power Control Module (PCM)
- Operator Interface Terminal (OIT)
- Solar powered battery charger
- Running gear and chassis
- JP-8 primary, DF1, 2, JP5, and Jet A
- Power Quality Type II Utility (Class 2A) MILSTD-1332B
- EMC radiated emission and susceptibility per MIL-STD-461F
- Sound attenution 82dBA @ 7 meters
- Operating temperature range: -40°F to 130°F
Available Power Input/Output
- Input options:
– Diesel Powered/480V 50/60Hz Utility Input
- Output options:
– 3-phase, 72kW/90kVA, 115/200VAC at 400 Hz
– 3-phase, 72kW/90kVA, 230/400VAC at 400 Hz
– 17.1kW, 28.5VDC- 72kW, 270VDC
– Single-phase, 4.8kW/6kVA, 120VAC at 60 Hz
High Reliability
- Mean time between failture; demonstrated TBD hours vs. 500-hour requirement at 80% one-sided confidence limit
- Extensive reliability testing: TBD cumulitive hours
Controls
- Designed and tested for military applications
- High-quality High definition color 15” 1920 X 1080 touch screen display
– Readable in sunlight
– Ergonomic buttons and switches designed for operation with MOPP gear and arctic mittens
- Comprehensive diagnostics set
– Fault and warning indications easily visible on the touchscreen
- Fully integrated digital generator controls
– 480V, 3-phase, 60Hz
- Fully integrated digital 400Hz interverters
– 72kW: 115VAC, 3-phase, 400Hz
– 72kW: 230VAC, 3-phase, 400Hz
- Fully integrated digital DC converters
– 72kW: 270VDC
– 20kW: 28.5VDC
- Integrated generator circuit-breaker control
- Ruggedized design to survive in extreme environments
– Supports wide temperature range
– Resistant to salt-fog, rain, ice, sand, dust and fungus
– Built-in cable storage
- Deep cycle AGC starting batteries
– Solar starting battery container
72kW Ground
Power Unit (GPU)
Worldwide service and support
PD Power Systems provides support for military products around the world:
- Support at various existing and future locations of the U.S. military around the globe.
- Commissioning and maintenance support services globally
- Critical parts inventory at critical locations and around the world
- Support for engineering and technical data for all products and services
Program Management
Having fielded thousands of units throughout the globe, PD Power Systems has a successful record of power distribution and power generation equipment with the United States military.
For more information, please contact:
General Inquiries
Email: [email protected]
Sales
Email: [email protected]
Main Phone: 1-866-460-7377
Online: Contact Inquiry Form
