AA4A2-1 - Tempest FAA-PMA Auxiliary Electric Dry Air Pump 28 VDC

AA4A2-1 – Tempest FAA-PMA Auxiliary Electric Dry Air Pump 28 VDC

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Overview

The Tempest AA4A2-1 is a flight-critical, FAA-PMA/STC certified auxiliary electric dry air pump designed for 28 VDC aircraft electrical systems. This unit is an indispensable safety component, engineered to provide a completely independent, secondary source of pneumatic pressure or vacuum to power gyroscopic flight instruments. In the event of a primary, engine-driven pump failure—a leading cause of in-flight emergencies in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)—this electric backup pump can be instantly activated to restore the pilot's attitude indicator and directional gyro, allowing for a safe continuation of the flight and landing.

This pump utilizes a proven rotary vane design with self-lubricating carbon-graphite vanes, which eliminates the need for any external oil lubrication. This "dry" operation provides a clean, oil-free source of air, which extends the life of the gyroscopic instruments and pneumatic system components. Compact, lightweight, and engineered for reliability, the Tempest AA4A2-1 is a cornerstone of modern system redundancy and a must-have for any pilot who flies IFR.

Key Features

• FAA-PMA/STC Certified: A fully certified, airworthy component approved for installation on a vast range of general aviation aircraft via a broad Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Approved Model List (AML).

• Provides Critical System Redundancy: Serves as a standalone backup to the primary engine-driven pump, ensuring gyroscopic instruments remain functional after a primary pump failure.

• Dry Rotary Vane Technology: Employs advanced, self-lubricating carbon-graphite vanes that provide a clean, maintenance-free source of pneumatic power without oil contamination.

• Integrated 28V DC Motor: A powerful and reliable electric motor provides immediate, on-demand pump operation independent of the engine's mechanical drive.

• Lightweight & Compact Design: Engineered for minimal weight and space impact, allowing for versatile installation options within the airframe.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: AA4A2-1

• Component Type: Auxiliary Electric Dry Air Pump

• OEM Manufacturer: Tempest Aero Accessories (a division of Superior Air Parts)

• Voltage Rating: 28 VDC

• Pump Design: Positive Displacement, Rotary Vane

• Vane Material: Carbon-Graphite Composite

• Certification: FAA-PMA, STC.

Aircraft Compatibility

This pump is approved via a wide-ranging STC for installation as a backup system on hundreds of single and twin-engine piston aircraft models, including but not limited to those from:

• Textron Aviation (Cessna & Beechcraft)

• Piper Aircraft

• Mooney International Corporation

• Cirrus Aircraft (pre-G1000 models)

• Grumman/Tiger Aircraft

Note: The Tempest STC's Approved Model List (AML) is the final and absolute authority for determining installation eligibility for a specific aircraft make, model, and serial number.

Applications

• Backup Gyro Vacuum/Pressure: The primary application is to provide a redundant source of pneumatic power for the Attitude Indicator and Directional Gyro in the event of primary pump failure.

• Secondary System Power: Can be used in some STC'd applications to provide pressure for secondary systems, such as inflatable de-ice boots.

Why Choose AA4A2-1?

The failure of a single, engine-driven vacuum pump in IMC is one of the most hazardous emergencies a pilot can face. The Tempest AA4A2-1 is an engineered safety system that directly mitigates this risk. It is a proven, reliable, and certified component that turns a potentially catastrophic, spatially disorienting event into a manageable inconvenience. Investing in this redundant system is one of the most significant safety enhancements an owner can make to a traditional vacuum-powered aircraft. The quality and reputation of the Tempest brand ensure that this backup will be ready and reliable when it is needed most.

The engineering principle that enables the maintenance-free, "dry" operation of the AA4A2-1 pump is the tribology of its carbon-graphite vanes. The specific grade of graphite composite used is a lamellar solid with a layered, hexagonal crystal structure. As the rotor spins, centrifugal force presses the vanes against the pump housing's inner wall. This sliding contact causes microscopic layers of graphite (graphene sheets) to exfoliate from the vane tips and transfer onto the aluminum housing surface, a process known as creating a solid-film lubricant or transfer film. This graphitic layer has an extremely low coefficient of friction and is self-healing. It provides a durable, self-lubricating interface between the moving vanes and the stationary housing, allowing the pump to operate at high rotational speeds with a very low wear rate and without the need for liquid oil lubrication. This not only increases reliability but also guarantees the output air is completely free of oil contaminants, which is critical for the long-term health of the pneumatic system and gyroscopic instruments.

Note: The AA4A2-1 is a flight-critical safety system. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic in strict accordance with the applicable Tempest STC installation manual. The installation involves electrical wiring, cockpit switching, plumbing into the existing pneumatic system with appropriate check valves, and installation of a panel-mounted annunciator light. A thorough post-installation ground run and flight test to verify proper operation is mandatory for return to service.

Documentation

• Tempest Aero Accessories Website: Full documentation, including the STC, Approved Model List (AML), and Installation Manuals for the AA4A2-1 pump are publicly available for download from the official Tempest website.