As military aviation evolves, so do the demands placed on air base infrastructure. New hangars and facilities are only part of the equation. Ensuring efficient, reliable operations from day one requires the right ground support systems to be in place — and fully aligned with operational needs.
This is exactly the approach taken by Hungarian Air Force at Szolnok Air Base (LHSN), where a new hangar complex has been equipped with a complete ITW GSE ground power solution.
From infrastructure investment to operational capability
The development at Szolnok Air Base includes a 16-bay service hangar, maintenance and repair facilities, a search and rescue service building, and a technical and storage base — all designed to support the ‘Kiss József’ 86th Helicopter Brigade.
But infrastructure alone does not guarantee efficiency.
To translate investment into operational capability, core systems such as ground power must be reliable, flexible, and ready to perform under varying conditions — from routine maintenance to mission-critical operations.
Reliable power where and when it is needed
Delivered between November and December 2025, our solution includes several ITW GSE mobile and fixed 1400 GPUs and 2400 90 kVA fixed GPUs.
This combination of fixed and mobile units enables a flexible approach to ground power — ensuring availability across both hangar and apron environments without adding operational complexity.
For military operations in particular, this flexibility is key. Equipment must support structured workflows inside the hangar while remaining adaptable to dynamic operational scenarios outside.
A foundation for efficient and future-ready operations
Across both civil and military aviation, a clear trend is emerging: performance is no longer defined by individual assets, but by how well systems work together.
Ground power plays a central role in this equation. It supports:
- Efficient maintenance and servicing workflows
- Consistent and high-quality power supply
- Reduced dependency on auxiliary power systems
- Scalable operations as facilities and requirements evolve
By implementing a complete and well-balanced GPU setup from the outset, the Hungarian Air Force has established a strong operational foundation — one that supports both current missions and future development.
Enabling mission readiness from day one
When new facilities are brought online, the transition from construction to operation is critical. Delays, inefficiencies, or workarounds at this stage can impact performance long term.
At Szolnok Air Base, ground power infrastructure has been integrated as part of the overall solution — not added as an afterthought.
“This new facility represents an important step forward for our helicopter operations, and reliable ground power is a key part of making it work efficiently from day one.”
A broader perspective
As air bases and airports continue to modernize, the lesson is clear: infrastructure investments deliver their full value only when supported by integrated, high-performance ground support systems.
Whether in military or civil aviation, the ability to align infrastructure, equipment, and daily operations will define the efficiency — and resilience — of tomorrow’s airside environments.
Photo credit: MTI/Mészáros János, via Hungary Today
