Magtec partners with Fluid Transfer International on aircraft refueller

The electric vehicle drive systems specialist Magtec has partnered with Fluid Transfer International on an aircraft refuelling vehicle. Fluid Transfer International is a UK manufacturer of refuelling solutions focusing on aviation, military and marine applications. 

Magtec supplied the electric chassis which is paired with a new Meteor MKII hydrant dispenser. The vehicle is able to refuel the largest commercial aircraft down to the smallest regional jets, thanks to the elevating platform reach of 4.6 metres. Magtec modified its base frames to integrate with the pumping systems for this project. The vehicle features twin-deck hoses with flow rates up to 3,800 litres per minute. To put this in context, that’s around 75 times faster than a fuel station pump for cars. The truck is fitted with an 80kWh battery, making it lighter than an equivalent diesel model. 

Keith Townsend, international sales manager at Fluid Transfer International, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Magtec on this important milestone in the journey towards meeting carbon neutrality targets. The Meteor MKII offers zero emission refuelling and silent operations without sacrificing quality and performance for global operators.

“We are looking at other aviation vehicle applications for Magtec’s chassis including hydrant pit cleaners and Avgas bowsers and are very impressed with the dynamic capabilities and short charge time.”

Magtec’s homologated MEV75 chassis was used for this application. With an 80kWh battery range is around 65 miles and charging takes three hours and 20 minutes. Battery life is expected to be 10 years. 

Andrew Sloan, engineering director at Magtec, added: “We are proud to partner with Fluid Transfer International on this state-of-the-art aircraft fuelling system, powered by Magtec. This is another example of a world-leading UK manufacturer turning to Magtec for our best-in-class electric drive technologies. It’s great to work together on such an innovative project.”