Powered AGE
INFORMATION: Powered AGE
Powered Aerospace Ground Equipment
Purpose—provides electrical power, heating, cooling, lighting, pneumatic, and hydraulic
pressure for the aircraft without operating aircraft engine(s). They will be used during all
phases of launch, recovery, maintenance, and servicing operations and will always be
maintained, serviced, inspected, and dispatched by AGE maintenance personnel.
General information
• AFTO Form 244 is located on every unit, and MUST be reviewed prior to using the piece
of AGE
• Maintenance personnel must perform a pre-use inspection prior to using AGE units
• All AGE units are to be operated by trained personnel only
• The operator panel contains necessary instructions, switches, and indicators to operate the
unit
Common hazards
• High-decibel engine noise levels are going to be present and will require DOUBLE
HEARING PROTECTION
• Power cords/hoses are a tripping hazard
• Fuel vapors produced by the units are a source of ignition
• Fuel and lubricants used in and on these units are toxic and pose a fetal hazard
A/M32A-86 Diesel Generator Set (fig. 4-35)
• Generates and delivers regulated electrical power for aircraft use
• Power is supplied at 115/200VAC, 3-phase, 400 Hz
• Can also provide 28 VDC power if equipped with a Transformer Rectifier pack and cable
(not normally equipped)
• Towable unit
• Unit hazards
o Prior to connecting/disconnecting the power cable to/from the aircraft, ensure
that the load control switch is in the OFF position
o Unit weighs excess of 6,000 pounds, use caution when moving it
A/M32A-95/Gas Turbine Air Compressor (fig. 4-36)
• Is used to provide high-volume, low-pressure bleed air for:
o Starting aircraft engines
o Operating/testing aircraft systems and components that use bleed air
o Powering air conditioner units
• Unique Indicators
o Red fuel low light—Indicates when fuel in tank approaches empty
o White air load switch ON light—Illuminates when air load switch is placed to
“ON”
• Safety
o Engine exhaust door must be fully opened and latched for unit to start
o Avoid the turbine plane of rotation
o Do not apply bleed air if the hose is not fully extended
o Use gloves to remove hose connection if bleed air was applied as it will be
HOT
A/M32A-60 Gas Turbine Air Compressor/Generator Set (fig 4-37)
• Has the ability to provide both AC and DC electrical power and bleed air
• External electrical power range
o 120/208 VAC, 3-phase, 400 HZ
o 28 VDC
• Provides high-volume, low-pressure bleed air for
o Starting aircraft engines
o Operating/testing aircraft systems and components that use bleed air
o Air-conditioning units
• Unique Indicators
o Fuel Warning Air Horn—Warns of low fuel level
o GREEN “READY TO LOAD” light—indicates compressor is ready to provide
bleed air to hose and Generator can supply electrical power
o GREEN AC Contactor light—indicates AC power is at the cable end
o GREEN DC Contactor light—indicates DC power is ready for use
o RED light—Indicates Bleed Air is on
• Safety
o Engine exhaust door must be fully opened and latched for unit to start
o Avoid the turbine plane of rotation
o Do not start if the RED “BLEED AIR ON” light is illuminated
o Do not apply bleed air if the hose is not fully extended
o Use gloves to remove hose connection if bleed air was applied
o Spring loaded tow bar automatically engages the wheel brakes when raised
Air Conditioning Equipment (ACE) (fig. 4-38)
• Cools aircrew compartments during preflight and maintenance
• Cools avionic compartments to prevent overheating of equipment during preflight or
before launch
• Collapsible ducts (fig.4-39) with splitters to fit most aircraft and compartments
Self-Generating Nitrogen Servicing Cart (SGNSC) (fig. 4-40)
• Provides high- and low-pressure nitrogen to service aircraft pneudraulic and pneumatic
components
• Pressure ranges (fig. 4-41)
o Low pressure—0-400 psi
o High pressure—400-4,000 psi
• Unit Safety
o NEVER service low pressure systems with high pressure
o Servicing hose whip
o Always purge hose before connecting to aircraft components
Diesel Air Compressors
• Different air compressor units can provide low and high pressure compressed air for
servicing pneudraulic and pneumatic components and systems
• Pressure range
o MC-2A, Low Pressure Air Compressor (fig. 4-42)—0-200 psi
o MC-1A, High Pressure Air Compressor (fig. 4-43)—0-3,500 psi
• Hazard
o High air pressure
• EMERGENCY USE ONLY (when nitrogen is not available)
Hydraulic Test Stand—(MULE) (fig. 4-44)
• Provides the ability to pressurize hydraulic systems without operating the aircraft's
engine(s) or auxiliary power unit which allows maintenance personnel the ability to do the
following:
o Troubleshoot aircraft hydraulic system
o Perform operational and leak checks of the hydraulic system
o Operate all aircraft hydraulic systems simultaneously
o Drain, flush, and refill aircraft hydraulic systems
o Bleed air from aircraft hydraulic systems
• Most contain multiple hydraulic systems each with a supply and return hose, which are
equipped with quick disconnect couplings that provides a means to quickly connect and
disconnect the unit from the aircraft hydraulic systems
• Unit hazards/safety
o Hydraulic fluid under pressure is dangerous
o ENSURE hoses are depressurized before connecting/disconnecting
o Gloves and goggles required when handling hoses
Lighting Equipment (fig. 4-45a, b)
• FL-1D floodlight set
o Provides light for night maintenance and operations
o Equipped with a 120V AC, single phase, 60HZ electrical outlets (like house
outlets) for test equipment and tools
o Electrically started diesel engine
o Equipped with 2 or 4, 1,000 watts lights mounted to a 12-foot telescopic tower
o Towable unit which can pose a hazard as the bar must be lowered to raise
tower
Ground heaters (fig. 4-46a)
• Are designed for heating aircraft engines and propellers prior to start, cockpits and crew
compartments before take-off, and maintenance personnel shelters
• Unit has a pull-start feature (fig. 4-46b) in the event of a dead battery along with
collapsible, flexible ducts in different sizes to fit all types of aircraft