Modern Technology Secondary Power Systems for Next Generation Military Aircraft

The next generation of military aircraft will require significantly increased internal power capability, with high density packaging and integration of secondary power system elements. These aircraft will be self-sufficient for autonomous operation free of ground support equipment. This paper reviews the concepts and capabilities of modern technology secondary power systems and the application to meet the requirements for these aircraft. The secondary power system elements include the gas turbine auxiliary power unit, aircraft mounted accessory gearboxes, emergency power units, pumps, and pneumatic drives. Mechanical, pneumatic, electric and hybrid techniques to integrate the subsystem will be reviewed and evaluated. In addition, a technology assessment is presented for future gas turbine auxiliary power units.