2006-08-16 19:33:25 · 5 answers · asked by maxine m 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
i belive so aslo foe ground take off as well as ground and in air take off.
2006-08-16 19:49:17 · update #1
An auxilliary power unit (APU) is any self-powered source of electrical power other than the engines. Typically it's a small turbine engine generator set. It's used while the aircraft is on the ground and not connected to ground power. Although the main engines provide electrical power in-flight they are expensive to operate for just electrical power alone on the ground.
A jet fuel starter (JFS) is a tiny jet fuel powered engine starting system for large turbine engines. Their use is largely limited to military fighter aircraft.
A previous poster made reference to the F-16. Actually that's called an emergency power unit or EPU on the F-16. The F-16 is a fly-by-wire aircraft and if its single engine fails the EPU provides electrical power so that it can be flown safely. Without electrical power, the controls are useless.
2006-08-17 03:10:25 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
An APU can provide an alternate source of electrical, hydraulic and compressed air for cooling systems or to start the main engines. It can operate on the ground for system operations while parked or for maintenance as an alternative to using the main engine. It is usually shut down after main engine start but can be used in flight as an emergency back-up.
A jet-fuel starter has one purpose; to start the main engine(s) on the ground or to restart in flight. They sometimes have a secondary role to provide some small amount of emergency electrical or hydraulic power but only for a short period and for critical flight systems (that is engine ignition but not cabin lights like an APU).
2006-08-17 23:00:00 · answer #2 · answered by tom c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An APU is this unit which provides power for the aircraft on the ground (e.g. during boarding, the cabin lights, air conditioning and music etc).
2006-08-17 04:48:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jobfinder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An APU.. at least on an F-16, Is the back up power unit in case the main power shuts off. It contains Hydrazine I believe.
2006-08-17 03:02:06 · answer #4 · answered by dirtmerchant_12b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking about a JATO (Jet-Assisted Take-Off) booster? I believe they are the same
2006-08-17 02:39:45 · answer #5 · answered by druid 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋