Honeywell Aerospace has brought to market an auxiliary power unit (APU) for business aircraft owners, but instead is calling it a micro power unit (MPU). It unveiled the MPU this week at NBAA-BACE.

Designed for turboprops, light business jets, and helicopters with space limitations, it will provide enough power to operate air conditioning, charge batteries, and assist with main engine start. When used as a primary power source instead of from the main engines, it can reduce fuel burn by up to 80 percent on the ground, Honeywell claims. The manufacturer of a line of larger and more costly line of APUs for large business, commercial, and military jets said the addition of its MPU will add value to the aircraft’s hull. 

Measuring 12 inches by 13 inches by 24 inches, the MPU weighs 75 pounds and is rated at 10kW and 400 amps. Honeywell (Booth N4302) isn’t disclosing a price.

“By expanding our line of trusted and reliable solutions to include the MPU, Honeywell can better serve turboprop and light jet owners and operators looking to increase passenger comfort and reduce overall operating costs,” said Honeywell engines and power systems president Brian Sill.

Engineering its first APU in 1948, Honeywell has since produced more than 100,000. Of those, more than 36,000 are in service today among more than 150 types of business, commercial, military, and regional aircraft.