Air Force, GM Defense Power Aircraft Using Commercial Battery Technology

The tanker was powered with a GM Defense electric ground power unit during a three-day demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in August, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) said.

AFRL—the research and development arm of the Air Force—is collaborating with GM Defense, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and Air Force Materiel Command to build and test electric and hybrid flight-line equipment and vehicles that demonstrate capabilities relative to internal combustion engine-based platforms.

“We are working to leverage the automotive industry in the electrification of our flight-line power systems now, but I’d also like to lean forward and leverage domestic automotive industry technology for flightline autonomy as well,” said Tahrea Grant, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center chief engineer.

Most vehicles and equipment used in Air Force flight lines rely upon a continuously running internal combustion engine powered by fossil fuels.

The commercial electric ground power unit eliminates greenhouse gas emissions during operation, "while also providing near-silent operations," said Rick Kewley, vice president of GM Defense product development and advanced engineering.

During the demonstration, commercial battery electric technology was transported on an electric cart integrated with GM Defense's powered solutions battery and electric drive system. 

“The flight-line maintainers at Edwards really appreciated the zero noise and zero emissions,” said David Juhassz, GM Defense’s program engineering manager.