Equipmake has partnered with airport ground support vehicle manufacturer Textron Ground Support Equipment to create an all-electric version of its airside
de-icing vehicle.
The Safeaero 220E is a zero-emission variant of the existing 220, benefiting from a bespoke version of Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED).
Consisting of an electric motor and inverter developed in-house, allied to batteries, the ZED also features an integrated thermal management system ensuring reliable de-icing at low temperatures.
Its design enables a single operator to drive, manoeuvre and spray from the cab, providing airlines, airfreight carriers and ground handlers with a vehicle that can service a wide range of aircraft, from commuter planes to large jetliners.
Equipmake offers a wide range of proprietary electric motors, alongside in-house designed, developed, and manufactured ASIL-D certified inverters, aimed at the global automotive, truck, bus and speciality vehicle industries.
Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake said, “Textron GSE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialised airport ground support vehicles.
“Its selection of Equipmake for the electrification of the Safeaero 220 de-icer is a considerable endorsement of both our products and technology, and our ability to apply them in new, important, industry sectors.”
Morgan Gresens, Vice President and General Manager, GSE for Textron Specialised Vehicles said, “The development of the Safeaero 220E is the latest example of Textron GSE’s commitment to electrification, sustainability and customer requirements.
“We invested significantly and are showing our commitment to provide our customers with electrified, zero-emission GSE solutions that don’t compromise the safety, operational efficiency and performance on the tarmac for which Textron GSE is known.”
