Reliable Helicopter Ground Power Units & Starters | START PAC
Helicopters operate in some of the most demanding conditions in aviation — remote helipads, offshore platforms, disaster zones, and high-altitude mountain bases. When a turbine needs to start and grid power is nowhere in sight, you need a starting unit that is dependable, compact, and ready to work the moment you are. Since 1997, START PAC® has been the trusted choice for helicopter operators around the world.
Our range of portable power supply units – also referred to as aircraft jump starter packs – are purpose built to start and power all small to medium size turbine engine aircraft. Ultra-compact, our lithium units weigh in at 42 percent lighter and 32 percent smaller than the equivalent capacity, lead-acid units. A lithium portable power supply unit also offers twice the battery life of lead-acid batteries with zero sulfation, ensuring reliable power, when you most need it.
Not sure which portable starting unit is the right one for you? Call START PAC® and we will help you find the 26 or 24 volt power supply which best suits your needs and those of your vehicle. Did you know, START PAC® doesn’t just supply portable power starting units; we also manufacture low-cost ground power units. Available in both 24- and 28-volt models, our portable ground power units (or GPUs) are designed to withstand repeated starts and are essential for carrying out Aircraft maintenance procedures. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without one.
The Power Challenges Helicopter Operators Face
- Remote and off-grid operations — EMS, search-and-rescue, offshore, and utility crews routinely work without access to shore power or AC outlets.
- Weight and space constraints — Helicopter decks, rooftops, and ship platforms leave little room for bulky diesel carts. Every pound matters.
- High start-current turbine demands — Turboshaft engines require strong, clean cranking current delivered fast. Voltage sag at the critical moment can mean a hot start, which is both dangerous and costly.
- Battery preservation — Aircraft batteries are expensive. Relying on the onboard battery for every ground start accelerates wear and shortens service life.
- Maintenance power without running the engine — Avionics checks, software uploads, and cockpit inspections need stable, clean DC power for extended periods.
Why Helicopter Operators Choose START PAC®
- Lithium-powered portable units that are 42% lighter and 32% smaller than equivalent lead-acid alternatives, with twice the cycle life.
- Up to 400 Amps of continuous, clean, no-duty-cycle DC power for maintenance operations — enough to run glass cockpits, avionics, and air conditioning.
- Patented Quick Change battery design on select models — swap batteries in under a minute, without tools, so the line keeps moving.
- Battery-only operation on all combination GPU models, giving full ramp capability even with no AC power available.
- ISO 9001 certified manufacturing, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and lifetime trade-in credit on select models.
Recommended Products for Helicopter Operations
| START PAC ONE (26V Lithium) | Ultra-portable 26V lithium jump starter for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Virtually maintenance-free, includes a proprietary cable adaptor kit and carrying case. Covers civil, commercial, and military rotary-wing applications. |
| Model 3324™ – 58A Mobile GPU | 24V combination battery pack and power supply with 84 Ah capacity and 58A continuous output. Performs multiple turbine starts and powers avionics for extended checkout — ideal for helicopter line maintenance away from the hangar. |
| START PAC® GREEN™ | The world's first 100% electric, emission-free autonomous GPU. No diesel, no fumes — safe for enclosed hangars and helidecks. Powers aircraft systems for hours and recharges from any AC source or solar array. |
Who Buys START PAC® for Helicopter Applications
- EMS and air ambulance operators that need fast, reliable starts during time-critical responses.
- Offshore oil and gas companies requiring lightweight GPUs on platform decks and supply vessels.
- Helicopter charter and tour operators who want to extend aircraft battery life and reduce maintenance costs.
- Police, coast guard, and law enforcement aviation units operating from remote or temporary locations.
- MRO facilities and FBOs that maintain mixed fleets and need a single unit capable of servicing turbine helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft alike.
Aircraft Starting Units
Lead Acid
Lithium Starting Batteries for Aircraft
Aircraft Starting Units
FAQ
Can START PAC® units start any turbine helicopter?
Yes. START PAC® units are engineered to deliver the high cranking current required to spool turboshaft engines faster and cooler than most aircraft’s own onboard batteries. Models are available in 24V and 28V configurations, covering the vast majority of civil and commercial turbine helicopter types. Contact START PAC® if you have a specific airframe requirement and the team will recommend the correct unit.
How do START PAC® lithium units compare to lead-acid models?
START PAC® lithium units offer twice the cycle life of lead-acid equivalents, with zero sulfation risk. They are also 42% lighter and 32% more compact, which makes a major difference on tight helidecks and in cargo-limited operations. Lithium chemistry also delivers more consistent voltage throughout the discharge curve, helping provide cleaner and more reliable engine starts.
Can these units be used for extended maintenance without AC power?
Yes. Combination GPU models like the 3324™ include a large onboard battery pack that supports extended avionics and cockpit maintenance without any external power source. The START PAC® GREEN™ can power avionics for more than seven hours on a single charge in standalone mode. When AC power is available, both units can also operate as unlimited power supplies.
What voltage do I need for my helicopter, 24V or 28V?
Most turbine-powered helicopters operate on a 28V electrical system, which matches the output voltage of aircraft running under generator power. Some piston-engine and smaller turbine helicopters use 24V systems instead. START PAC® offers both configurations across its product range. If you are unsure which voltage your airframe requires, contact the START PAC® team with your aircraft make and model to confirm the correct specification.
Will a START PAC® unit protect my onboard aircraft battery?
Yes. This is one of the main reasons operators use external ground power. Each time you use a START PAC® unit for engine starting, the onboard battery is bypassed, which helps preserve its charge and extend its service life. Since aircraft batteries are costly to replace and unexpected battery failure can create operational risk, using external power for every ground start can help reduce both maintenance costs and unscheduled downtime.
Can one unit service multiple helicopter types in a mixed fleet?
Yes. Many START PAC® combination GPU models are designed to support both 24V and 28V aircraft, as well as piston and turbine engine types. This makes them a strong fit for FBOs, MRO facilities, and operators running mixed fleets of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The START PAC ONE, for example, can support helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and military UAVs from a single portable unit. The START PAC® team can help identify the model that best covers your fleet requirements.
How durable are START PAC® units in outdoor and harsh weather conditions?
All START PAC® units are finished with a low-VOC powder coating that helps protect against wear, corrosion, and weather exposure. Optional all-weather covers are also available for select models to provide added protection during outdoor storage or use in rain and coastal environments. These units are built for heavy-duty field use and are designed to handle demanding conditions on ramps, helidecks, and remote landing zones.
What is the Quick Change battery system and why does it matter?
The patented Quick Change battery system, available on select START PAC® models, allows batteries to be swapped in under one minute without tools or technical training. For high-tempo helicopter operations, especially in EMS, offshore, or law enforcement environments, this helps keep the unit from becoming a bottleneck during turnaround. Instead of waiting for a recharge cycle, operators can install a fresh battery pack and return the unit to service immediately.
Does START PAC® offer a warranty or return policy?
Yes. START PAC® offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all products. If you are not satisfied for any reason, the unit can be returned in new condition within 30 days for a full refund. Select models also qualify for the START PAC® lifetime trade-in program, which allows operators to trade in an existing unit for credit toward a newer model. This can make long-term fleet upgrades and equipment management more cost-effective.
All START PAC® products come with a
1-year warranty on workmanship
and materials.
Please handle this unit in a responsible manner. START PAC® is not responsible for damages caused by misuse or neglect.
