Audio Authority Corporation of Lexington, Kentucky, has introduced three White Lightning power units (GPUs) designed specifically for 12/14V Experimental Amateur-Built (E/A-B) aircraft and 12/14V and 24/28V certified aircraft.
The portable GPUs provide airframe power without the aircraft’s engine or battery for:
- Avionics demonstration and testing
- Database and firmware updates
- Flight planning and cockpit procedures training
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
- Battery top-off charging
- Powered preflight inspection
All three models use color-coded, polarized, and keyed output connectors to prevent aircraft damage from voltage mismatch — yellow 12V plugs and 24V red plugs cannot connect to each other, company officials note.
Model M1435-EXP: Tailored to the needs of the E/A-B market for aircraft with 12/14V electrical systems. Includes an Airframe Interface Kit to permanently wire a quick-connect polarized receptacle to the aircraft’s battery/electrical bus. Output is fixed at 14.25VDC and can supply up to 35A maximum continuous power. An 8 foot output cable is included. Price: $445.
Model M1435: For 12/14V certified aircraft. Similar to above, but output cable is terminated with standard AN2551 3-pin oval plug, common to most certified aircraft. A round single-pin Piper plug is also available. Price: $495.
Model M2827: For 24/28V certified aircraft. Output is fixed at 28.5VDC with a maximum continuous output of 27A. Supplied 6 foot output cable terminates with standard AN2551 3-pin oval plug. Price: $595.
Pre-orders are being accepted for early fall delivery at AudioAuthority.com, or through Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, and Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
Why is this needed ? In the hangar, I use an inexpensive [ <$30 ] battery charger which provides the less than 6 amps to run the avionics.
Alternatively, an auto battery will supply 70 amp-hours of power, and can be recharged by the mentioned charger.
This is an expensive solution looking for a non-problem.
Also, these folks don't mention anywhere the amp-hour capacity of the battery. , just that it can supply 35 amps.
The auto battery can supply 300+ amps, and can be used to run the starter motor too.
Another cheap and portable option for 12/12V would be one of the power packs similar to those from Harbor Freight ($60) and install the AN2551 plug (~$35), or other connector to match your needs.
There are numerous dual voltage (meaning ~12/24) battery packs on the market ($300-400) that can be likewise adapted in the same way.
The capacity of even the cheaper ones is sufficient to jump start, or for the normal avionics ramp check.
Very cool indeed! Nicely designed, well thought-out, professional looking and rugged interconnection cables. Good luck AAC with your nifty new product line. Regards/J