Airbus PTU Sound

Features
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Photo from Airplane-Pictures.net.

What is the PTU?

The PTU, or Power Transfer Unit, is a system on a few aircraft, notably Airbus planes, used to transfer hydraulic power from one system to another, typically during startup and taxi. The PTU is often described as having a “barking” or “whining” sound.

Wikipedia’s entry on the Power Transfer Unit says “ The PTU is used when, for example, there is right hydraulic system pressure but no left hydraulic system pressure. In this example, the PTU transfers hydraulic power from the right hydraulic system to the left hydraulic system. A PTU consists of a hydraulic motor paired with a hydraulic pump via a shaft.”

What does it sound like?

As I mentioned above, the Power Transfer Unit’s sound is barking in nature. It will vary from aircraft to aircraft. In my personal experience, the PTU on the Airbus A220-300 is higher pitched and runs for longer than on the Airbus A320neo, which is lower in pitch, but generally louder. To get a sense, check out this video:

What in-game aircraft have the PTU?

The PTU sound could be added to all the Airbus planes, from the A220 to the A318 and all the way up to the Airbus A380-800! Fun fact: the Airbus Beluga is the only Airbus built plane not to be equipped with a PTU.

Links & Further Information

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the barking dog 😍 i love this sound so i voted for it

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Thanks for the vote! It’s a personal highlight of any flight on board an Airbus.

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1: I definitely remember hearing this before I had heard of aviaton, and literally thought there was a dog

Fun fact: i’m actually afraid of dogs

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2: if IF adds a hydraulic fuel system for the actual engines, that can be manipulated in actual flight, then I might vote

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Bump! Just listen to this:

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Bumpy, bump, bump!

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Who doesn’t love this iconic Airbus sound?

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This is an interesting one! Recalled many memories of mine when travelling with EZY A319/A320…
Let’s vote this too guys!!

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Does the A388 have a PTU?

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Bark, bark, bark

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I think this would be nice, also why can’t I like your post?
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🅰️

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I have no idea.

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YES ABSOLUTELY YES! But i cant vote currently

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🎶 The PTU on the Airbus goes bark, bark, bark, bark, bark, bark, the PTU on the Airbus goes bark, bark, bark, all through the airport. 🎶

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Got my vote! If it’s Boeing it ain’t going.

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You definitely have my vote on this! It would be cool to hear this on the airbus 320 :thumbs-up:

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18

Haha what an interesting and different feature request, love it!
You got my vote. 😄

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There is something missing in the sound, for example Airbus gpws, Airbus brake fan sound, reverse thrutsh sound

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I asked ChatGPT to write a song about Airbus PTUs. I’m not sure it quite knows what a PTU is.

(Verse 1)
In the heart of the engines, where the power begins,
Airbus PTUs, silent heroes, spinning with grins.
They’re the Pump Transfer Units, dance of the flight,
Whispering secrets, in the soft moonlight.

(Pre-Chorus)
They hum in the shadows, beneath the wings’ embrace,
Fluid symphony playing, in that sacred space.
Pushing and pulling, with a rhythmic beat,
Airbus PTUs, making flight complete.

(Chorus)
Oh, PTUs, dance with the fluid flow,
In the heart of the aircraft, where the dreams grow.
Pumping life through veins of steel,
Airbus PTUs, the aviation’s zeal.

(Verse 2)
On the tarmac, before the sunrise glow,
PTUs awaken, ready to bestow.
Transfer of power, a ballet in the air,
In every ascent, in every affair.

(Pre-Chorus)
They hum in the shadows, beneath the wings’ embrace,
Fluid symphony playing, in that sacred space.
Pushing and pulling, with a rhythmic beat,
Airbus PTUs, making flight complete.

(Chorus)
Oh, PTUs, dance with the fluid flow,
In the heart of the aircraft, where the dreams grow.
Pumping life through veins of steel,
Airbus PTUs, the aviation’s zeal.

(Bridge)
Through turbulence and calm skies wide,
PTUs stand tall, side by side.
A quiet force in the aviation’s song,
In the heart of the journey, where they belong.

(Verse 3)
As the sun sets, painting hues in the air,
PTUs keep humming, without a care.
They’re the heartbeat of flight, the silent key,
In the Airbus skies, where dreams are free.

(Pre-Chorus)
They hum in the shadows, beneath the wings’ embrace,
Fluid symphony playing, in that sacred space.
Pushing and pulling, with a rhythmic beat,
Airbus PTUs, making flight complete.

(Chorus)
Oh, PTUs, dance with the fluid flow,
In the heart of the aircraft, where the dreams grow.
Pumping life through veins of steel,
Airbus PTUs, the aviation’s zeal.

(Outro)
So here’s to the PTUs, in the aviation’s rhyme,
Guiding us smoothly through space and time.
In the realm of the skies, where they play,
Airbus PTUs, take us away.

6 Likes