UK-based ground support equipment manufacturer Newbow Aerospace has launched the first solar-powered wheel and brake change trailer.
The company has introduced the new trailer in a move to support its “quest towards more sustainable ramp operations”.
Designed and manufactured for Aer Lingus to enhance the airline’s night-time line maintenance operation, Newbow’s XL trailer “eliminates the dependency on being hooked up to a tow vehicle for power”, due to an ultra-thin and flexible roof-mounted solar panel, the manufacturer claims.
Marc Green, Newbow’s sales director, said: “In line with the major advancements happening across the aviation industry to achieve the objectives set out in IATA’s Fly Net Zero pledge, Newbow expects to see a significant rise in demand for greener GSE solutions and we were delighted to produce this new XL trailer for Aer Lingus.
“The availability of lightweight and flexible solar panels now gives us the scope to develop products which will contribute to more sustainable airport ramp operations.”
Delivering 130W of renewable power, the solar panel provides more than 12 hours of LED lighting on demand, with two-way switches located at the trailer door entry points.
Engineers can monitor the trailer’s power reserve from a digital display on an integrated solar panel battery charge controller.
