Communications:9M-MRO APU Report
9M-MRO APU Report
Background
The Boeing 777 is fitted with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). It supplies the auxiliary power system for the aircraft pneumatic and electrical power. This permits independent operations from the ground external power sources or the main engines.
The APU generator supplies 120 KVA electrical power at any altitude. The APU can start at all altitudes up to the service ceiling of the aircraft (43,100 ft/13,100 m). Electrical power is available up to the service ceiling and pneumatic power is available up to 22,000 ft (6,700 m).
Source: Safety Investigation Report MH370/01/2018
This means that if the aircraft is on the ground, before the engines are started, and with no external source of electricity, the APU can supply the power needed to operate all electrical systems. The APU can also supply power during flight, for example if the engines have failed, until fuel is exhausted.
The APU is located in the aircraft tail. Passengers boarding can often hear (and smell) the APU running.
The APU Report for MH370 was sent by ACARS after the aircraft was 'Out of the gate' but still on the ground at KLIA. The report shows total number of hours that the APU has been running.
1. APU Report
| Time 16:29:33 |
Trans 46818489 |
Direction Incoming Downlink |
AN 9M-MRO |
FI MH0370 |
Medium IOR2 |
Machine MHKULKJACM001 |
Raw DTG 071629 |
SMI DFD |
Application RELAY |
| Status Normal |
Message Type B777 APU Report |
Source/Destination QXSXMXS |
|||||||
Source: Safety Investigation Report MH370/01/2018 Appendix 1.9A
Note: Additional ACARS messages related to this transmission are included in the ACARS Traffic Log for MH370 (9M-MRO).
2. Auxiliary Power Unit Hours
The following Table was included in the Safety Investigation Report MH370/01/2018 .
Note that the total APU Hours 22093 matches the data in the ACARS message.
| Manufacturer | Allied Signal |
|---|---|
| Model | GTCP 331-500B |
| Serial Number | P1196 |
| APU Hours | 22,093 (as of 07 March 2014) |
Source: Safety Investigation Report MH370/01/2018 1.6 Aircraft Information