special trucks airport

Airbus Helicopters relies on the eEconic. for helicopter refueling.

With the all-electric eEconic, Airbus Helicopters takes sustainability to the next level. Based in Donauwörth, Germany, the company uses a 16,500-litre refuelling vehicle that has been specially developed by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH. And it not only helps to reduce CO₂ emissions – it also creates better conditions in the ground personnel's challenging working environment.

eEconic: The sustainable solution for Airbus.

With the eEconic, Airbus Helicopters in Donauwörth is setting a milestone in climate protection: as of 2024, this all-electric Mercedes-Benz truck has been refuelling the company’s helicopters. The step is part of a comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at reducing Airbus Helicopters’ CO₂ emissions to net zero by 2050.

All Airbus helicopters can already be operated with a mixture of conventional fuel and 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By 2030, all Airbus helicopters will be certified to operate with 100% SAF. The eEconic supports this ambitious climate protection programme. With its all-electric drive, it not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also minimises noise, exhaust gases and heat generation.

The icing on the cake: the eEconic, which is charged with green electricity as much as possible, can carry out regular operating activities for a whole week without intermediate charging.

Photo and cover image: © Airbus Helicopters

Smart technology for even more efficiency.

The eEconic has already impressed Airbus with its high performance: for one thing, this vehicle boasts an electric axle with integrated drive unit and the two electric motors, which together have an output of a considerable 330 kW. On top of all that, this all-electric truck has a fantastic ability to recuperate: the energy recovered by the eEconic when braking further extends the length of time for which it can operate without recharging.

And, what is particularly smart: the fuel pump is operated via an electric power take-off (ePTO), which also uses the energy from the vehicle batteries. This means that the eEconic has a single charging process for both driving and refuelling – with a charging capacity of up to 160 kW.

Photo: © Airbus Helicopters

High precision in a challenging environment.

However, the eEconic not only impresses technically, but also in everyday work. The steered rear axle makes it easy to manoeuvre the 11 m long vehicle despite its relatively long wheelbase of 5.5 m.

This gives the eEconic a decisive advantage in the dynamic environment in which Airbus operates. Here, there is limited space, and vehicles are constantly moving in close proximity to each other as well as helicopters taking off and landing. All of this demands an enormous amount of precision.

With the eEconic's low panoramic window, the driver also has a clear view of what is happening during operation. The low seating position allows them to have direct eye contact with their colleagues on the airfield. And the numerous assistance systems that the eEconic comes with as standard ensure even more safety.

The Econic safety concept: protecting what matters most.

The eEconic cab: lots of space, ample overview. Photo: © Airbus Helicopters

Smooth operations, effortless control.

To refuel the Airbus helicopters, the eEconic has been equipped with a specially developed tank body from ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH – a perfect solution. With the 16,500-litre tank body for aviation fuels with SAF content, one charging process is sufficient to ensure the energy supply for driving and refuelling.

And it just gets better: ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH used standardised components for the tank's design. These were taken from conventional combustion engine vehicles and adapted to the requirements of an all-electric vehicle. As a result, operation for ground staff remains largely unchanged, making training and the use of the new system much easier.

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH have a joint user interface, so drivers and technicians can view all important information such as the battery charge level, the remaining range and the tank fill level on the display in the cab easily. This ensures a high level of transparency and at the same time uncomplicated operation.

Want to learn more about the eEconic?

View product information

The cooperation between Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH and Airbus Helicopters impressively demonstrates how electric drive technologies can be used successfully even in demanding working environments – and how sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.