Aircraft Air Start Unit (100-400 PPM), made by MAK Controls & Systems

The MAK Aircraft Air Start Unit (ASU) provides high-pressure, high-flow air to initiate engine rotation on aircraft that require external pneumatic starting — particularly high-bypass turbofan types where APU-less cold starts are routine in line maintenance or remote parking scenarios. MAK's range spans 100, 120, 180, 250 and 400 PPM (pounds per minute), with custom ratings available, making a single product family applicable from narrow-body regional jets through to large wide-bodies with GE90 or Trent-class engines. At the core is a GHH-Rand or equivalent oil-free screw compressor — an important distinction for aircraft engine starting, as oil contamination of compressor inlet air can damage sensitive turbine components. The prime mover is a Cummins, Deutz or Detroit diesel engine meeting Tier 4 Final / Euro emission standards. Operating ambient range runs from -30°C to +48°C, covering temperate MRO facilities and high-temperature Gulf ramps equally. Dual operating modes define the product's versatility: jet-start mode delivers 40 psig discharge pressure for pneumatic engine cranking; air-pack mode drops to 30 psig for powering aircraft environmental-control packs during preconditioned-air conditioning work before a dedicated PCA unit is connected. The demand-throttle system automatically adjusts diesel engine speed to match airflow demand, reducing fuel burn during partial-load operation. Control is via the MAK GSEM V8-A touchscreen panel; the RDMS telematics module feeds live operating data — outlet pressure, temperature, engine parameters, fault codes — to remote workstations or mobile devices, supporting centralised fleet management across multiple ramp positions. Units comply with MIL, AHM and ARP standards and are available towable, self-propelled or skid-mounted.