For the first time, the Mercedes-Benz eEconic is serving as a helicopter refueling vehicle. Airbus Helicopters in Donauwörth has been utilizing this all-electric truck from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks for several weeks. Early feedback from Airbus Helicopters indicates that the vehicle’s battery capacity allows it to operate continuously for about a week without needing to recharge. The aviation fuel tank, designed for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), was developed by ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH. Both ROHR and Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks collaborated to seamlessly integrate the tank with the base vehicle. This initiative aims to reduce emissions from the handling fleet and create a more pleasant working environment for employees.
The eEconic Base Vehicle
The Mercedes-Benz eEconic is designed with robust safety features, making it suitable for dynamic working environments. Its low panoramic window provides a wider viewing angle compared to many other truck models, allowing the driver to maintain eye contact with colleagues on the airfield. Despite its long wheelbase of 5.5 meters, the eEconic boasts a relatively tight turning radius due to its steered rear axle, enabling the approximately 11-meter-long vehicle to navigate easily among ground personnel, other vehicles, and even the spinning blades of helicopters preparing for takeoff. The safety framework is further enhanced by training programs for ground staff, developed by experts from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH, and Airbus.
The eEconic is equipped with an electric axle featuring an integrated drive unit and two electric motors that produce a continuous output of 330 kW. Its battery packs can be charged at power outputs of up to 160 kW. Notably, since the pump in the tank draws energy from the vehicle’s batteries, a single charge supplies power for both driving and refueling operations. Additionally, the vehicle can recuperate electrical energy during operation, extending its operational time without the need for intermediate charging. This electric drive also significantly reduces exhaust gas, odor, heat, and noise pollution for airfield personnel.
The ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge Tank
The eEconic is fitted with a specialized tank body that holds 16,500 liters of fuel. The pump operates hydraulically via an electric power take-off system (ePTO). As the pump utilizes energy stored in the vehicle’s batteries, a single charging session is sufficient for both driving and refueling. The design by ROHR focuses on adapting standard components from traditional combustion vehicles for use in electric vehicles, ensuring minimal familiarization for operators.
Both Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH have created a unified user interface that displays critical information—such as battery charge status, remaining range, tank fill level, and energy consumption—on the driver’s cab display.
Airbus Helicopters’ Commitment
Airbus aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and considers sustainably produced aviation fuels a key strategy in this endeavor. Currently, all Airbus aircraft and helicopters can operate on a 50% SAF blend, with plans for all Airbus helicopters to be certified for 100% SAF by 2030.
At its facility in Bavarian Swabia, Airbus has been increasing its use of SAF since 2023 and is transitioning towards fully electric vehicles for its commercial fleet. The acquisition of the electric tanker, which is charged on-site with green energy whenever possible, represents a significant step in this sustainability initiative.
