december2023 - 35

consist of three modules. In addition to
the power module, there are pump and
tank modules. Ward says the truck's
pumping system and tank on the electric
refueler are the standard modular
design that Rampmaster has been
using for years.
All three modules can individually
be removed for repair, upgrade or overhaul
and replaced with an exchanged
module. According to Rampmaster
officials, the modular design can more
than double the life of a refueler.
Because the pump and tank modules
are " passive and resist wearing out, "
the power module can be swapped out
with another power module, while the
pump and tank modules (two-thirds of
the truck) remain in place.
" With the modular Rampmaster,
One of the first customers for the
electric 5,000-gallon refueler from
Rampmaster is Signature Flight
Support in Vail, Colorado.
we will be able to re-chassis your
refueler to an electric version in the
future, " Ward says, adding the new
electric chassis with like new pumping
system and tank will have a new
unit warranty.
Another unique feature Rampmaster
battery's fully charged, it provides six
to eight hours of fueling time.
" Everyone worries about how long
the batteries will last due to our experience
with phones and tablets. I have
an electric vehicle and the batteries
have degraded 1 percent per year since
I have owned it. Our chassis manufacturer
lists 1 percent a year for this
product and many of my customers
agree that is what they have seen on
other lithium applications. In 10 years,
that would be a 10 percent decline in
battery output, not bad, " Ward says.
Overall maintenance on the electric
module will be minimal, according to
Rampmaster officials.
" We don't expect there to be any
maintenance done to this electric
power module like you'd have on a typical
diesel engine, " Ward says, adding
the electric power module is actually
locked down and bolted shut.
In total, Rampmaster refuelers
offers is its Engine Management (Flow
Control) System (EMS), which means
dozens of maintenance-prone parts
aren't needed. By eliminating many of
the maintenance-intensive parts with
EMS, the system is simplified, which
Ward says is a benefit to an industry
that often has high employee turnover.
EMS reduces the pump module to
hoses, filter, meter and pipe, and sensors
that are used to help maintain
even pressure in the wing.
" About 12 years ago, we came out
with engine management, and it used
the engine to control the flow of the
fuel, taking out a lot of the restriction
that was in the pipe, " Ward says. " By
doing that, we were able to drastically
lower the RPMs. The electric unit will
use electric management, it will do
the same thing with the same piping
system and it's going to slow down
those revolutions of that electric
motor. This will be the most efficient
electric when it comes to refueling
(out there). A typical fuel truck will
pump at its highest RPM and only
deliver to the aircraft what it can take.
This particular truck, the way it's set
up, will do the same thing only it will
slow down that electric motor, and
in doing so, it's going to extend those
charge times. "
Telematics continually monitor the
refueler to make sure the refueler is
in fit shape, Ward adds. The digital
dashboard from chassis manufacturer
Battle Motors also includes service and
parts intelligence and an advanced
driver assistance system.
In addition to monitoring efficiency,
EMS is used to monitor safety.
" The display will indicate most
of the safety systems on the Rampmaster,
shutting down the pumping
system when necessary, " Ward says.
Most of the standard features for
general aviation and commercial aviation
are available for the 5,000-gallon
Rampmaster Jet Refueler, he says,
adding the company can adapt to a
customer's needs.
Refuelers manufactured by Rampmaster
range from 3,000 to 17,500
gallons. An electric version of Rampmaster's
10,000- and 7,000-gallon refuelers
have already been designed.
" We are still working out the specifics
and looking forward to a future
deployment, " says Ward.
" The 5,000-gallon capacity is considered
the standard in refueling at most
airports for general aviation and commuter
operations; 10,000/15,000 and
17,500 are the workhorses of the commercial
side of the business, " he adds.
In 1985, when Ward started in the
industry, he says most of the general
aviation traffic was fueled with 3,000gallon
capacity trucks. But as aircraft
changed, so did the required fuel
truck capacity.
" In the early '90s the 5,000 became
more popular, now 7,000-gallon capacity
is becoming more popular, as the
size and fueling capacity of jet aircraft
have changed, " Ward says.
If considering an electric refueler,
Ward suggests service providers consider
the savings of fuel, the maintenance
savings and funding that is
available towards the purchase or
lease of a refueler.
December 2023 || AviationPros.com || 35
RAMPMASTER
http://www.AviationPros.com
december2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of december2023
