januaryfebruary2024 - 10

Industry Expert Column
Sensor Technology: Powering
Precision and Progress in GSE
Sensor technology is revolutionizing GSE operations, enhancing safety
and improving efficiencies for ground service providers.
BY TIM CONKLIN
M
obile machines are
essential workhorses
in various industries,
including aviation. One of the biggest
trends in mobile machines is
automating more of the basic functions
of equipment.
On refuse trucks, for example,
a driver only needs to know how
to drive a truck. The machine can
locate the container and lift it, while
monitoring the hopper level and
weight in the back.
Ground support equipment (GSE)
plays a crucial role in ensuring
efficient and safe aircraft turnaround
times and is therefore seeing
similar trends.
In recent years, automation
technology has emerged as a
game-changer, bringing a plethora
of benefits, including enhanced performance,
simplified operation and
increased reliability.
Sensors provide real-time data
on equipment operation, enabling
precise control and optimization.
Automation also reduces complexity,
making GSE easier to use and requiring
less training for operators. What's
more, sensor-driven monitoring and
diagnostics identify potential issues
early, preventing downtime and
costly repairs.
Sensor Integration in GSE
Deicers were among the first GSE
machines to embrace full automation.
These critical systems require precise
fluid application and boom positioning
to ensure efficient ice removal
without damaging the aircraft.
Sensor feedback empowers intelligent
systems like JBT's EZ-Jib on the
Tempest-i to control the boom with a
single joystick, simplifying operation
while maximizing effectiveness. Sensors
monitor the real-time position
and can even enable automatic stowing
in the correct position.
Most GSE uses sensor technology
to improve performance or safety in
a variety of ways.
Lavatory service trucks, for example,
utilize sensors that can monitor
incoming and outgoing fluid levels,
ensuring complete servicing before
departure. This data can be recorded
for improved equipment design,
or simply show the operator a red/
green alert to indicate the service
is complete.
On towbarless pushback tractors,
pressure sensors in the equipment
verify secure grip on the aircraft
wheels, adhering to nose landing
gear (NLG) limitations and preventing
damage. In the future, we may
also see the machine identify the
aircraft automatically to match manufacturer
lifting guidelines.
When it comes to deicing technology,
advanced systems like
Safeaero's Intellimix use sensors to
monitor fluid temperature before
spraying, optimizing performance
10 || Ground Support Worldwide || January/February 2024
Sensors provide real-time
data on equipment operation,
enabling precise control
and optimization.
and ensuring passenger safety. This
is another simple step that takes a
complex task out of the operators'
hands, so they can focus on the intricate
task of spraying the aircraft.
Emerging Technologies
In today's GSE landscape, there is currently
a race to implement a number of
emerging technologies on machines.
Collision Avoidance Systems
The International Air Transport
Association's (IATA) Airport Handling
Manual (AHM) 913 regulations prioritize
safety, and collision avoidance
system (CAS) technology helps prevent
costly and potentially disastrous
collisions between GSE and aircraft.
This might include radar or lidar sensors
to detect the aircraft from longer
distances and short-range sensors for
final positioning.
Combining these sensors with a
high-performance control system
can support slowing/stopping the
machine before contact.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF IFM
januaryfebruary2024

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