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Aviation Battery Systems (ABS) has added a 20 amp hour option to its StartStick line of portable ground power units (GPU). The powerful new StartStick 20 brings flexibility, efficiency and lower operating costs for fixed wing operators in ramp and remote operations alike.
This effort expands StartStick’s rugged, lightweight auxiliary power to an even wider group of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The StartStick portable GPU was unveiled in 2014.
Weighing just 20 pounds with a compact form factor, the 20 amp hour StartStick 20 allows ease of field and ramp operations as well as maximum aircraft availability. Engine/APU starts, database/avionics updates and compressor washes are accomplished with StartStick.
With over two thousand units in operation globally, StartStick provides multiple starts of single and twin-engine fixed wing aircraft before recharge.
A range of business jet models, commuter aircraft, turboprop and piston platforms now benefit from this cutting edge product.
ABS reports a growing number of corporate, charter, aerial applicators, air medical, FBO and airborne law enforcement programs utilizing the StartStick.
“For general aviation – in our case mostly single engine piston aircraft – there is nothing that even compares to StartStick,” said Jason Hurd of Colorado-based Vector Air, who deployed StartStick for his team’s fixed wing support operations. He noted that his office sits near Vector’s self-serve fuel pumps where at least once a week he sees clients drain their battery on a hot start after flying.
“At that point, we can either drag out our three-wheel large GPU, difficult to wheel through the hangar full of maintenance planes, or grab our StartStick from the hook on the side of my desk,” Hurd says.
“It hardly weighs anything compared to other GPU’s and most importantly it’s dependable – once it’s charged it can sit without discharging for quite a while,” he added.
Unexpected battery-related challenges are a field reality – whether aircraft are shut down at a small airfield, failure due to age, operating at the fishing lodge or stranding on a rooftop helipad.
StartStick improves remote mission capabilities and outcomes.
The standard GPU/NATO power port connector handles a range of aircraft. And each StartStick comes with an industry-leading comprehensive two-year warranty.
“Traditionally, fixed wing owners have had to rely on heavy, non-portable wheeled ground power units, choosing fields where this support is available,” states ABS Director Paul M. Ross, Jr. “The 20ah StartStick now allows flexibility for these programs to improve self-reliance and lower their operating costs.”
For even greater redundancy, StartStick can be recharged during flight via onboard 28-volt charging cable, or plugged into the onboard inverter. A standard wall adapter plugs into a hangar socket.
Each unit’s display provides constant on-condition data including state of charge and other key annunciation. Importantly, StartStick’s proprietary design protects aircraft electrical systems by not allowing deficient voltage levels from the GPU.
A growing number of customers also report extending their main batteries’ service life thanks to the discipline of using StartStick for their first start each day.
This press release was prepared and distributed by StartStick
