EQUIPMAKE PARTNERS WITH TEXTRON GSE TO ELECTRIFY AIRSIDE DE-ICING VEHICLE

4 October 2024:  Equipmake, a market leader in electrification technologies, products and solutions across the automotive, truck, bus and speciality vehicle industries, has partnered with airport ground support vehicle manufacturer Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (‘Textron GSE’) on an all-electric option of its airside
de-icing vehicle.
 
The Safeaero 220E is a zero-emission version of the existing Safeaero 220, benefiting from a bespoke version of Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED). Consisting of an electric motor and inverter developed in-house, allied to state-of-the-art batteries, the ZED also features an integrated thermal management system ensuring reliable de-icing at low temperatures.
 
The announcement follows a successful development programme with an initial test vehicle and builds on the Safeaero 220’s highly efficient single-person operation with quiet, emissions-free performance. A leading Tier 1 supplier and developer of electrification technology for the commercial vehicle industry, Equipmake offers a wide range of proprietary electric motors, alongside in-house designed, developed, and manufactured ASIL-D certified inverters, technology aimed at the global automotive, truck, bus and speciality vehicle industries, which are all rapidly electrifying.

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake said: “Textron GSE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialised airport ground support vehicles. Its selection of Equipmake for the electrification of the Safeaero 220 de-icer is a considerable endorsement of both our products and technology, and our ability to apply them in new, important, industry sectors. We are proud to be supporting Textron GSE as it transitions its product range to zero emissions.” 
 
Morgan Gresens, Vice President and General Manager, GSE for Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. said:“The development of the Safeaero 220E is the latest example of Textron GSE’s commitment to electrification, sustainability and customer requirements. We invested significantly and are showing our commitment to provide our customers with electrified,
zero-emission GSE solutions that don’t compromise the safety, operational efficiency and performance on the tarmac for which Textron GSE is known.”
 
The Safeaero 220 platform is the only genuine single-operator deicer in the industry. Its unique design enables a single operator to drive, manoeuvre and spray from the cab, providing airlines, airfreight carriers and ground handlers with increased productivity, lower operating costs and increased operational efficiency. The Safeaero 220 can service a wide range of aircraft, from commuter planes to large jetliners. It also features a state-of-the-art spraying and blending system to reduce fluid consumption, eliminating waste and lowering environmental impacts. And the 220’s wireless data transfer and remote diagnostics tools allow operators to quickly and easily track the unit’s performance.
 
A highly-vertically integrated technology, product and solutions company, Equipmake offers the complete solution, integrating its products and systems into almost any vehicle, for an increasingly global customer base.