How Towbarless Tugs Work?

Many modern airlines have aircraft capable of moving backwards using thrust reversers without the need for tow tugs. However, this method is generally avoided due to safety concerns, such as risks to ground personnel, potential damage to airport infrastructure, excessive noise, and increased emissions. Consequently, the standard practice involves using tow tugs to push aircraft from the gate onto the taxiway. Let’s figure out how towbarless tugs work.

Understanding Pushback Tugs

Pushback tugs are specialized tractors designed to attach to an aircraft’s nose gear, enabling them to maneuver planes on the ground. Despite their compact and low-profile appearance, these tugs can weigh up to 54 tons and are capable of moving some of the largest and heaviest aircraft. Traditional tugs employ a tow bar to connect to the aircraft’s nose gear, while modern advancements have led to the development of towbarless tugs.

Conventional pushback tugs utilize a metal tow bar that links the tug to the aircraft’s nose landing gear. To prevent overstressing the landing gear during pushback, these tow bars are equipped with shear pins designed to snap if excessive force is applied, thereby disconnecting the bar from the plane.

Ground handlers are responsible for controlling the pushback and steering of the aircraft, as pilots have limited visibility behind the plane. Some aircraft are equipped with a bypass pin, which temporarily disconnects the nose gear wheels from the steering mechanism. Once pushback is complete, the ground handler removes the bypass pin and holds it up to signal the pilots.

Towbarless tugs represent a significant advancement in ground handling technology. Instead of using a tow bar, these tugs slide under the aircraft’s nose wheel and lift it off the ground using hydraulic systems. This method not only speeds up the process by eliminating the need to attach a tow bar but also simplifies ramp logistics by removing the need to store tow bars.

Advantages of Towbarless Tugs

Aircraft Lifting Procedure: The lifting mechanism is safer as the tug supports the aircraft’s nose wheel weight, using the plane’s own mass for balance.

Maneuvering Efficiency: Towbarless tugs, particularly electric models, offer non-polluting, clean, and efficient operation, making them suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, such as in aircraft hangars.

Safe Setting Down Procedure: Unlike tow bars, which can bend or break and potentially cause the aircraft to roll away, towbarless tugs provide a more secure setting down process.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Increased Operator Visibility: The design of towbarless tugs minimizes blind spots, enhancing visibility for ground crews. The low-profile build helps avoid vehicle-related obstacles during lifting and releasing procedures.

Easy Maneuverability: With better visibility, these tugs can navigate tighter spaces while maintaining safe operation limits. Their capability to execute 90-degree turns adds flexibility to ground operations.

Optimized Control and Braking: According to Tronair, towbarless aircraft tugs employ hydrostatic regenerative braking, which offers a smoother stop and reduces the risk of jack-knifing. This system prevents the tug from coasting when the operator lifts their foot off the accelerator, allowing for gradual deceleration.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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