Aircraft power cabling and aircraft plugs are subjected to extremes of wear, impact damage and rough handling. As a result, power cables and AC plugs are a constant source of problems at busy airports, with any failure potentially having an impact on safety, turn-round times and costs.
The Powervamp ‘Sidewinder’ is a retractable series of arms housing the high frequency cables that provides power to all aircraft while at the terminal. The system has been designed to give airports a simple, reliable and affordable power transfer system and is an essential piece of equipment without which the airport cannot function.
The Powervamp ‘Sidewinder’ is becoming the cable carrier system of choice at a growing number of international airports
Powervamp has considered all aspects of Sidewinder deployment – from initial transport and installation to ease of operation and field service. Working directly with ground handling teams at major UK airports to understand the technical difficulties they faced during rapid aircraft turn round times in all weathers and the challenges they face, the in-house Powervamp CAD design team created Sidewinder, the ultimate in simple, reliable, airport power transfer systems from converter to aircraft. (view our dedicated CAD video HERE)
“…Sidewinder’s unique design enables airports to modify an installed unit to accommodate stand upgrades or aircraft changes…”
Powervamp’s “snaking” Sidewinder has introduced a new robustness and functionality to the cable carrier concept and compared with other types of cable carrier, Sidewinder has the lowest life cost of ownership, achieved through key design features.
A superior cable carrier system has been achieved by incorporating feedback from airport airside staff during the initial design stages
Its low rolling-resistance castor wheels enable it to glide smoothly when extended or retracted, and the drag-link chain pivots between beams allow smooth, snag-free expansion and contraction and easy access for maintenance.
Numerous functional and safety features are built into the Sidewinder such as ‘stamp lock’ quick release brakes, modular sub-assemblies, quick release cable connections, easy access beams and chains and a choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4 x 90kVA outputs”
“…the Sidewinder is currently installed, and in daily operation, with an increasing number of major international airports…”
Sidewinder’s unique design enables airports to modify an installed unit to accommodate stand upgrades or aircraft changes. Anchor holes for securing the beam are compatible with most other products allowing rapid swap-out and upgrade without the need to obtain permits or carry out major groundworks.
The Sidewinder is in daily operation at London Heathrow Airport where it is installed on a number of stands
The Sidewinder is currently installed, and in daily operation, with an increasing number of major international airports, including London Heathrow, where it’s paired with the Powervamp PV90-3 400Hz frequency converters – the only 400Hz converter that has a genuine one piece electronics module that can be swapped out in less than 5 minutes.
The Sidewinder is just part of the Powervamp aviation ground support equipment (GSE) range – designed, manufactured, installed and maintained by the various in-house divisions of this aggressively expanding company.
For more information on the Powervamp airport range of GSE please contact sales@powervamp.com
or call the sales office on 01934 643000.
