Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines Auxiliary Power Units

Abstract

As aircraft became more complex a need was created for a power source to operate the aircraft systems on the ground without the necessity for operating the aircrafts main engines. This became the task of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The use of an APU on an aircraft also meant that the aircraft was not dependant on ground support equipment at an airfield. It can provide the necessary power for operation of the aircrafts Electrical, Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems. It should come as no surprise that the power unit selected to do this task is a Gas Turbine Engine.