Cavotec Fladung - 'Pop Up Pits', Cable Retrievers, 400Hz Cables, Connectors and Aircraft Towbars

The development of the 400Hz cable coil and a 400Hz connector marked the beginning of the underground power cabling division of Cavotec Fladung, a member of the Cavotec Group. Now, the company produces a wide range of service solutions and cable accessories for airport applications, including state-of-the-art pop up and hatch pit systems; cables; cable connectors; cable coils; mini coils; and aircraft towbars.

CABLE CONNECTORS AND CONNECTOR ACCESSORIES

Cavotec Fladung's connectors range includes:

• A new VDE-approved 400Hz connector
• 28V connectors and panel connectors for 2 x 120mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable (other cable types on request)
• 400Hz panel connectors for 4 x 1 x 50mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable, 4 x 1 x 70mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable and 7 x 35mm² + 6 x 3 x 1mm² cable
• 400Hz Y-connectors

A full set of accessories complement the connector range:

• 400Hz test box for checking the output voltage, indicating the direction of rotation and the frequency of each phase of 200V / 400Hz power supply devices
• Tension tester for testing the pulling force on the connector contacts
• Assembly accessories for 28V and 400Hz connectors and panel connectors
• Pin tester gauge for testing the contact gaps in the aircraft receptacle or GPU (pins)
• Strain relief straps (adjustable and non-adjustable)

POWER CONTACT TEMPERATURE-MONITORING DEVICE

Our temperature-monitoring device for power contacts can be attached directly on the plug connection of the aircraft. Clip-on sensors measure the temperature of the 400Hz contacts directly at the point of contact between the aircraft and the connector. In case of overheating the power supply can be cut off.

AIRCRAFT POWER CABLES

The 400Hz 7 x 35mm² + 6 x 4 x 1mm² cable was specially developed for supplying power to aircraft. With its 'six around one' construction, excellent electrical values are obtained with minimal inductivity.

The 400Hz 1 x 50mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable and the 400Hz 1 x 70mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable with four integrated control wires are highly flexible and resistant to mineral oils, kerosene and defrosting liquids. They possess high abrasion resistance and are available in twisted (stranded) versions.

The 400Hz 1 x 120mm² + 4 x 1mm² cable with four integrated control wires has the same features as the above cables.

HANGAR AND GATE AND REMOTE PARKING UNDERFLOOR SOLUTIONS

The 'pop up pit' system is for storing the connecting cable between the converter and the aircraft when the cable is not in use. The connecting cable is let in through a cable guide in a concrete shaft at the outlet of the pit systems.

This solution, widely used as service pits in hangars, can handle four 90kVA cables for the new A380. It can also be used for PCA, and potable water supply at gate or remote parking positions.

When the pit system is closed, it lies flush with the apron. Hangars are traditionally equipped with a mix of 'pop up' and technical hatch pits.

CABLE COIL

The cable coil supplies power transmission between the 400Hz converter and the parking aircraft. The cable coil consists primarily of a drum with a spiral guide and a chain wheel drive that produces the rotary movement. The drum stores the 400Hz supply cable consisting of 28m of special cable 7 x 35mm² + 6 x 3 x 1mm², four intermediate cables at 1.5m length, a cable coupling and a panel connector.

MINI COIL

The purpose of the mini coil is to unwind the extension cable whenever required, wind it up when not in use, and store it on the drum. The cable winder transfers current between the 400Hz converter and the parking aircraft. All control commands are transmitted over the integrated control wires. A panel plug has also been installed, for connecting to the aircraft. The drum stores up to 20m of 7 x 35mm².

AIRCRAFT TOWBARS

Cavotec Fladung produces over 60 different towbar models for a huge range of aircraft including the new A380. The latest development is a 'flying towbar' that can be kept onboard special aircraft like the A380.

• Universal towbar (aluminium and steel models available)
• Aluminium towbar with hydraulic transport system and full floating axle
• Steel towbar with hydraulic transport system and full floating axle
• Adapter heads
• Mini-towbars for small aircraft