Rampmaster, a leading manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions for commercial, cargo, and general aviation markets, has delivered the first zero-emission all-electric jet refueler truck in the United States to Signature Aviation’s Vail location at Eagle County Regional Airport in Colorado. The E-lectric Refueler, which replaces the diesel engine with an electric motor and hydraulic pump powered by Lithium batteries, aims to improve operations and reduce airport EPA emissions. This 5,000-gallon E-lectric Vehicle Refueler, unveiled in 2023, supports the aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, has long used Rampmaster’s diesel refuelers. The two companies collaborated to integrate a sustainable solution at Signature’s Eagle County Regional Airport location in Vail with the fully electric 5,000-gallon unit. Colorado was chosen due to its leadership in climate responsibility, greenhouse gas reduction, electric vehicle adoption, and building energy efficiency.
Leighton Yohannan, Rampmaster’s CEO, emphasized the strategic partnership with Signature Aviation in developing the EV Refueler, which features the world’s only EV chassis that meets all aviation industry mandates while setting new safety standards at airports.
Innovative E-lectric Refueler Design Features
Rampmaster’s refueler trucks boast a patented modular design, allowing for easy maintenance, repair, or upgrades of the power, pump, and tank components. Key benefits of the fully electric vehicle include:
- Lithium technology with a safely separated battery from the electric system
- Battle Motors/Borgwarner Cascadia motion motor and EV chassis meeting airport and aviation requirements
- Full battery DC fast charge in under two hours, providing approximately eight hours of refueling run time
- An extended lifespan of 20 years, with minimal degradation
- Reduced maintenance and significant fuel savings
- Lower airport EPA emissions
The E-lectric Refueler’s design includes a roof-mounted battery chiller and blanket heater to handle extreme temperatures, with continuous monitoring for optimal battery utilization and a maintained temperature of 76°F.
Rampmaster’s patented Engine Management System™ (EMS) is standard on all vehicles, optimizing fuel flow and reducing engine load on diesel trucks. The Electric Management System on the E-lectric Refueler similarly enhances efficiency, reduces motor wear, and improves charge times.
Equipped with Battle Motor’s Digital Dash, the refueler provides actionable data, diagnostics, and service manuals. Telemetrics monitor the chassis every three seconds, and Mobileye 8 Connect™ is included for collision prevention.
Brad Williams, COO of Signature Aviation, highlighted the significance of the zero-emission electric jet refueler as a step towards net-zero goals, demonstrating the collaboration with Rampmaster to innovate and create a sustainable future in aviation.
Rampmaster’s modular refuelers range from 3,000 to 17,500 gallons, with global reach and use in major US city airports and military operations in the Middle East. The company offers exceptional lease terms and the industry’s longest financing terms of up to 10 years.
“We are leading the way in sustainability by delivering environmentally and safety-focused refueling technology,” said Yohannan. “Our modular design refueler, patented engine management system, and the industry’s first zero-emission all-electric vehicle refueler are transforming the aviation industry, and we are committed to continuing this innovation.”
