The new standard in 400Hz Aircraft Ground Power
AERO Specialties, one of the leading providers in aircraft ground power, is proud to introduce the newest version of our 400Hz Solid State Frequency Converter (SSFC), one of the most advanced units in the industry. Tested to the highest standards, the PV90-4 provides the required 400Hz external ground power to support the most sophisticated aircraft electrical demands. The compact design allows for diverse installation applications, from a single output point of use, to a central system supporting multiple 400Hz service points. The rugged stainless-steel enclosure allows the PV90-4 to be configured for fixed applications and a variety of mobile applications for hanger use or outside on the ramp.
Compact, Powerful and Dependable
With hangar and ramp space at a premium, the compact design of the PV90-4 requires a very small footprint to deliver its high-performance output. The high efficiency, unity power factor, and incredible overload features of the PV90-4 ensure your aircraft is supported with the right power.
The large user friendly 5.7” LCD display and oversized control panel makes power selection and system monitoring easy whether indoors or outdoors in bright light.
Modular Design
From conception, the AERO Specialties PV90-4 was designed to be a zero downtime GPU requiring a minimum of planned maintenance. To address this requirement the PV90-4 incorporates a Pluggable Power Module.
This replaceable Power Module reduces the need for in- depth troubleshooting and extended down time by returning the GPU to operation within minutes. This modular design allow technicians without extensive knowledge of 400Hz power conversion to swap out this module as a one-fix solution for almost any fault.
User Interface
The large 5.7” display is designed for the operator.
Large pushbuttons and an intuitive navigation menu allow fast setup and operation. The bright display can be easily read indoors or in direct sunlight.
Complete Support
Maintenance and upgrades to the PV90-4 are simple.
Plug in any USB compatible device to upload software upgrades or download data to assist in remote troubleshooting.
No matter your application, the PV90-4 can be configured to meet your requirements and can also be supplied with an optional 270V DC or 28V DC output for all the below listed configurations.

Features
- Unity output power factor
- 95%* efficiency, one of the highest in the market
- Stainless-steel NEMA 3S enclosure
- Large 5.7” LCD user-friendly display
- Supports any 400Hz aircraft
- Automatic line drop compensation
- Performance exceeds ISO 6858
- Several mounting options
- Pluggable Power Module for easy first line maintenance
- 2 year manufacturer warranty
The PV-90 is available in two main configurations:
- USA Model (AERO Product ID: 2010376)
- Input Three Phase: 480V three-phase 60Hz
- Color: Orange
- EU Model (AERO Product ID: 2009682)
- Input Three Phase: 400V three-phase 50/60Hz
- Color: PV White
The PV-90 can also be installed as a fixed electrical ground power (FEGP) unit, providing fixed power and saving on aircraft APU usage while the aircraft is parked at the gate.
As a manufacturer and exclusive provider of ground power at major air shows, AERO Specialties engineers have been uniquely placed to operate the company’s converters on all the world’s latest generation aircraft, gaining unrivaled data and experience while working alongside the airframe manufacturers’ test and field engineers. In this respect AERO Specialties is unique.
Standard 90kVA Unit Dimensions:
- L: 30″ (770mm)
- W: 27.5″ (700mm)
- H: 57″ (1,450mm)
- Weight: 1,499 lbs. (680 kg.)
90kVA Unit with 28V DC Module Dimensions:
- L: 30″ (770mm)
- W: 27.5″ (700mm)
- H: 71″ (1,810mm)
- Weight: 1,940 lbs. (880 kg.)
Optional features
- Monitoring and Billing System (MABS™)
- The AERO Specialties MABS™ system offers real time interfacing and power
usage to airport operations software allowing the monitoring and billing
of ground power by time and/or kilowatt. The system can be configured
by either input supply power or output load power. Utilising calibrated
meters 0.2, 0.5 or 1.0 billing classes are available to suit individual airport
requirements.
- Dual 400Hz Output
- A second 400Hz output complete with the necessary controls, interlock
and hardware can be factory fitted allowing two aircraft to be connected
to the same PV90-3 GPU. Each output is fully rated at 90kVA/90kW
although the combined load should not exceed the system rating.
- 28V DC Output
- In addition to the 400Hz output, a 600A 28V DC Transformer Rectifier
Unit (TRU) can be fitted in a base module under the main system. The
28V DC TRU is fitted with line-drop compensation ensuring a stable
28V DC at the plug. The 28V DC TRU is capable of supplying up to
2000A overload for engine starts.
- Base Module
- For improved cable entry, the PV90-3 can be supplied with a base module
which raises the system by approximately 350mm.
- Remote Monitoring
- The PV90-3 can be supplied with a MODBUS interface suitable for most
building management systems. It is also possible to interface with other
protocols, please contact our sales team with project specific
requirements.
- Output active power (kW): 90.0
- Apparent output power (kVA): 90.0
Input
- Number of phases: 3
- Nominal input voltage: 400-480 VAC (+15%)
- Nominal input frequency: 50/60Hz (+/- 10%)
- Rectification topology: 12 Pulse
- Current distortion: < 8% @ 100% load
- Power factor: > 0.97 @ 100% load
- Inrush current: N/A
- Maximum input circuit breaker:160A
Output
- Crest Factor: 1.414% +/- 0.04
- Nominal output voltage: 200/115V Three phase + N + E
- Voltage regulation: <0.5%
- Nominal output frequency: 400Hz (+/- 0.01%)
- Total harmonic distortion: < 3% (2% typical)
- Load power factor: 0.7 lagging and 0.95 leading
- Voltage modulation: <1%
- Phase angle symmetry: 120° (+/- 1) for balanced load, 120° (+/- 2%) 30% unbalanced load
- Dynamic response: MIL-STD-704F
Efficiency
- 100% load: > 92%
- 50% load: > 89%
- Standby losses: < 200W
- No load losses: < 3kW
Overload
- 100% 90kVA@PF1: Continuous
- 125%: 10 mins
- 150%: 60s
- 200%: 30s
- 300%: 10s
- 400% 1100A Peak Inrush: 1s
General
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F)
- Altitude: 2000m before de-rating
- Protection level: IP55
- Colour: RAL 7035 (other colours available)
- Noise Level: < 65dBA @ 1m
- MTBF: 100,000 Hrs
- MTTR: 10 mins
- Filtration: Polyurethane foam media (20PPI), washable and flame retardant to FMV22 302
Standards
- Safety: EN 62040-1
- Emissions: EN 61000-6-3
- Immunity: EN 61000-6-2
- Specification for 400 Hz aircraft power: DFS400
- Aircraft ground support electric supplies: ISO 6858
- General requirements for ground support equipment: BS 2G 219
- Aircraft electric power characteristics: MIL-STD-704F
- Ground equipment 400 Hz ground power performance requirement: SAE ARP 5015 and SAE AIR 5387
System operation
- Input Isolator Switch
- Fitted with terminal shrouds and mechanical door interlock, this ensures
maximum user safety as the door cannot be opened until the switch is in
the off position. Once this switch is in the on position, the system is in
standby ready for use, no complicated start sequence required!
- Rectifier
- The rectifier supplies low-ripple DC to the inverter section using rugged
12-pulse technology, the rectifier offers near unity input power factor
(> 0.97) with low harmonic content (< 8%).
- Near Unity Power Factor = Lower input current
- Low Harmonic Content = Less strain on the electrical infrastructure
- Inverter
- The inverter converts the DC supplied from the rectifier into high quality
400Hz AC using the latest PWM technology, the PV90-3 inverter is highly
efficient whilst providing a clean output (< 3% THD) suitable for all aircraft.
- Output Transformer
- Using high-grade steel ensures a compact, lightweight and efficient
transformer which acts as a filter and also provides the required galvanic
isolation.
- Output Contactor
- Complete with interlock, the output contactor ensures power is isolated
from the plug until the aircraft is ready to accept power.
Standard features
- High Overload Capability
- Modern aircraft demand high overload capability, the PV90-3 offers
compatibility with all modern aircraft, in particular: 777/A380/787.
- Auto Connect
- After ground support press the on button, the system will run for up to 5
minutes, if during this time the pilot requests ground power, power is
automatically connected without any further intervention from ground
support.
- Automatic Line-drop Compensation
- The automatic line-drop compensation ensures each phase is individually
adjusted to achieve the correct voltage at the aircraft plug. The
compensation can be adjusted easily via the user interface panel (when in
service mode).
- Remote Control/Monitoring Connections
- Remote on/off/monitoring allows the system to be controlled and
monitored from a distance either from the aircraft plug or via remote
switches at the end of a cable carrier system.
- Filter maintenance
- Removable polyurethane foam filter cartridge can be replaced whilst GPU
running, minimising downtime during routine maintenance.
Modular design
- Pluggable Power Module
- One of the most outstanding features of the PV90-3 is the pluggable
Power Module. In unlikely event of system failure, the “HEART” of the
system can be easily replaced by first line maintenance staff in a matter of
minutes.
- The Power Module contains all power devices and control PCB’s which
means there is a one-fix solution for almost any fault. So no matter where
you are in the world, repairing the PV-90-3 is possible without the need
for site attendance by factory trained engineers.
- AERO Specialties guarantees turn-around times for warranty repairs of PV90-3
Power Modules and also operate a service exchange system for when
your PV90-3’s warranty expires. AERO Specialties recommend one spare Power
Module for every 5 systems in operation.
Enclosure
- Double Door Seals
- Dual seals on all doors for improved ingress protection.
- Rust Treatment
- Stainless steel enclosure as standard. For heavy duty trailer mount option the trailer is made from galvanised steel.
- Paint Finish
- Powder Coat paint finish suitable for outdoor use. Standard colour is
- RAL7035, other colours available.
Control panel
- LCD Screen
- A large blue-backlit LCD screen provides detailed information of the
supply and output parameters. Intelligent system status updates are also
displayed providing the user with live system and interlock information.
- Status Indication
- High-Intensity LED status indicators provide instant status overview:
GREEN: System Healthy
AMBER: System in Alarm
RED: System Fault
- Menu Function
- Simple menu navigation allows easy access to additional features and
settings.
- Easy Robust Operation
- Large rubber ON/OFF buttons offer easy robust control of the system in all
weather conditions.
- Data-logger
- Real time data logging of system operations as well as alarm data. Each
entry is date stamped for accurate diagnosis. Output power consumption
is also logged at 5 minute intervals.
Protections
- The PV90-3 is packed with electronic protections to ensure that the
system protects the user/aircraft and system during abnormal conditions.
- No Break Power Transfer (NBPT)
- Output Neutral Monitoring
- Output Overload
- Output Short Circuit
- Output Under/Overvoltage
- Output Current Limit
- Over Temperature
- Aircraft Interlock
- Input Supply Monitor (voltage & frequency)
- Input Phase Rotation
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