Ground Support Equipment Glossary

Ground Support Equipment Glossary


Since 1971, Tronair has differentiated itself in the aviation market by offering a diverse and innovative range of high-quality Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

What Is Ground Support Equipment?

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is an industry term for the support tools found at airports or maintenance facilities used to service aircraft between flights. Typically, GSE is stored on a ramp near the terminal for quick access when needed. Its main purpose is to ensure the safe operation of aircraft after landing and before the next takeoff. GSE covers various functions, including aircraft mobility, ground power operations, and cargo and passenger loading processes.

Ground Support Equipment Types

Dollies

A dolly is a wheeled platform used to transport heavy, cumbersome objects. Tronair provides various types of aircraft dollies designed for specific aviation maintenance tasks, such as wheel and brake replacements

Chocks

Aircraft chocks are used to prevent an aircraft from moving while parked, and are essentially wood or rubber molds that are placed in front and back of the wheels of landing gear.

Aircraft Jacks

Aircraft jacks are used to lift and support aircraft during maintenance, repair, or inspection tasks. They are designed to safely elevate different parts of the aircraft, such as the wings or the fuselage, allowing technicians to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Tronair offers aircraft jacks in various types including tripod and axle jacks

Aircraft Tugs

Aircraft tugs are specialized vehicles designed to move aircraft on the ground without using the aircraft's own engines. They are essential for ground operations, such as towing aircraft to and from gates, hangars, and runways. These tugs come in various types and sizes, including towbarless tugs and traditional tugs.

Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs)

A hydraulic power unit (HPU), also known as a hydraulic mule, is a portable ground support equipment that supplies auxiliary hydraulic power to an aircraft. HPUs are used to operate critical aircraft systems such as landing gear, brakes, and flight control surfaces while the aircraft is on the ground. Tronair offers a wide variety of HPU’s designed for commercial, regional, military and business aircraft.

Ground Power Units (GPUs)

Ground power units are mobile power units designed to supply power to parked aircraft. Aircraft power requirements can range from 28 volts of direct-current to 115 volts 400 Hz alternating-current. Tronair offers a variety of GPUs, including solid state rectifiers, diesel, and gas powered GPUs. Solid state rectifiers convert power from AC to DC to meet a variety of aircraft power requirements.

Potable Water Carts

A potable water cart is used to supply clean, drinkable water to aircraft systems. It is essential for refilling the aircraft's potable water tanks, ensuring that passengers and crew have access to fresh water during flights. The potable water carts at Tronair are designed to be mobile and easy to use, with features like heated water to prevent freezing in cold weather and a robust system to maintain water quality.

Lavatory Service Carts

A lavatory service cart is used to clean and maintain the aircraft's lavatory systems. It provides a sanitary means of refilling the water tanks and removing waste fluids from the lavatories. Tronair’s lavatory carts are equipped with a fill (fresh water) system and a dump system to handle waste efficiently. This ensures that the lavatories are clean, functional, and ready for use by passengers and crew.

Passenger Stairs and Platforms

Passenger stairs and platforms are versatile ground support equipment used for providing safe access to different parts of an aircraft. They are essential for performing maintenance tasks and allowing crew and passengers to board or disembark the aircraft efficiently. These stairs and platforms can be adjusted to various heights and are designed to be sturdy and easy to maneuver, ensuring safety and convenience during ground operations.

De-icing

Depending on the local climate, de-icing equipment is often needed to prevent frozen water and cold temperatures from affecting aircraft. Tronair deicers are specialized equipment used to remove frost, ice, and snow from aircraft surfaces before takeoff using approved deicing fluids. Tronair offers various towable and mobile deicer carts with capacities from 55 to 275 gallons, equipped with powerful engines, insulated spray guns, and adjustable temperature controls for efficient and safe deicing.

Tronair is the number one source of high-quality and innovative ground support equipment and related products. For more information on Tronair products, please contact us.