Aircraft Overview
| Aircraft | Airbus H155 |
| Also Known As | EC155 B1 / Dauphin family |
| Type | Twin-Engine Helicopter |
| Engine | 2× Safran Arriel 2C2 (952 shp each) |
| Electrical System | 28V DC |
GPU Requirements
The Airbus H155 serves VIP transport, offshore oil and gas crew changes, SAR, and government operations. It sits above the H145 in Airbus’s helicopter lineup with a larger cabin and higher gross weight. The dual Arriel 2C2 engines produce marginally more power than the H145’s 2E and draw correspondingly more starting current. VIP operators prioritize quiet, clean ground power for cabin systems during passenger boarding — voltage ripple from a struggling GPU can reset entertainment systems and climate controls, which is unacceptable in VIP operations. Offshore operators need salt-air corrosion resistance and should specify marine-grade GPU housings. The H155’s extensive de-ice system and pressurization draw heavily during ground checks, pushing continuous requirements toward 200A.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Starting Voltage | 28V DC |
| Peak Amps Required | 2,000–2,800A |
| Continuous Draw | 150–200A (full de-ice + pressurization) |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium recommended (higher sustained output) |
| Recommended Unit Weight | Under 60 lbs portable / wheeled cart for base ops |
| Duty Cycle | Must support 2 sequential starts per charge |
| Environmental | Marine-grade housing recommended for offshore operations |
Our Recommendation
Primary pick: Red Box RB100A or Powervamp Coolspool 480
The H155’s Arriel 2C2 engines draw more starting current than the H145’s 2E variant due to the larger airframe’s higher-power FADEC system. A 2,500A+ rated GPU gives comfortable margin for cold-weather starts, sequential engine starts, and extended VIP ground power for cabin systems during passenger boarding.
Alternative: Start Pac Portable 2800 or ITW GSE 7400
Cold Weather & Special Operations
For North Sea, Norwegian, or Arctic offshore operations, pair a lithium-ion GPU with a mains-connected continuous supply for engine pre-heat and reliable starts. Battery-only GPUs struggle in the combination of extreme cold and salt air that characterizes North Sea helicopter operations. Operators in Norway, Scotland, and Newfoundland increasingly use fixed pad-mounted GPU installations with heated, sealed enclosures to guarantee year-round reliability and protect against corrosion.
Related Guides
For a broader comparison of GPU manufacturers, see our Best Aircraft GPU 2026 review. For battery chemistry decisions, our Lead Acid vs Lithium analysis breaks down total cost of ownership. The GPU Sizing Guide covers voltage, amperage, and duty cycle calculations for any aircraft.
Product Categories
- Battery Start Units — portable starting power
- Continuous Power Supplies — sustained avionics power
- Combination GPU — start + continuous in one unit
- Frequency Converters — 400Hz AC power
- Aircraft Tugs — ground movement equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H155 harder to start than the H145?
Moderately, yes. The Arriel 2C2 engines draw 10–15% more peak starting current than the H145’s 2E variant. The difference is most significant in cold weather or when the GPU is partially depleted from a first engine start.
What GPU do offshore H155 operators use?
Most offshore bases (North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil) use mains-connected continuous power supplies like the ITW GSE 2400 series rather than portable battery units. The combination of high duty cycles, salt-air corrosion, and cold temperatures makes battery-only GPUs impractical for routine offshore operations.
Can I use the same GPU for H145 and H155?
Yes, if rated above 2,500A peak. The Red Box RB100A and Powervamp Coolspool 480 comfortably serve both types. This is a common consideration for operators running mixed Airbus twin fleets.
Why do VIP H155 operators care about continuous power quality?
VIP operations involve extended ground time with cabin climate control, entertainment, lighting, and galley power active during boarding. A GPU with clean, stable continuous output prevents voltage ripple that can reset avionics, entertainment screens, and climate controls — unacceptable in VIP service.
Editorial Policy
Red Box Power is editorially independent. We may earn commissions from links on this page, but this never influences our rankings or recommendations. All GPU assessments are based on published specifications and verified operator feedback.