Lightweight start power for light helicopters

Citation

(1998), "Lightweight start power for light helicopters", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770cad.005

Lightweight start power for light helicopters

Lightweight start power for light helicopters

Keywords Helicopters, Power packs, Red Box

An advance in economical, lightweight portable start power for aircraft, the Model RB 25 MINIPAK has been introduced by Red Box International. First public showing was at Heli Expo, Anaheim, California, 15-17 February 1998.

MINIPAK is air portable. Even the lightest helicopter will hardly feel the 12kg (27lb) weight and the low price makes it suitable for operators working in remote areas or sites where there are no services.

Using the same technology and build qualityas the Red Box military proven portable power packs, MINIPAK is only half the size of a pilot's case. Smaller and much lighter than existing power packs it has enough punch to start all major light helicopters.

Supplied as a complete package MINIPAK is complete with aircraft cables and a powerful advanced design, three-stage electronic charger which are contained within a neat carrying case. Charging is from the mains supply or by connecting the unit in parallel with the aircraft's existing battery system for rapid on-board charging. The power pack is instantly removable to provide power for other purposes.

Ruggedised in non-magnetic stainless steel the Red Box RB 25 MINIPAK does not need maintenance. Red Box power packs reportedly hold energy for extremely long periods so are always ready for use. When, eventually, the battery ceases to function effectively, any of the Red Box service centres in the USA, Europe or Asia can totally rebuild the unit to "as new" condition.

Details from Heli-mart Inc., USA. Tel: +1 714 755 2999; Fax: +1 714 755 2995. Red Box International. Tel: +44 1794 368116; Fax: Fax +44 1794 367832.