PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Wheeltug - the novel answer to marginal airline profitability
Old 3rd November 2007 | 12:28
  #20 (permalink)  
Rainboe
Warning Toxic!
Disgusted of Tunbridge
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,011
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From: Hampshire, UK
I believe the traction problem is insurmountable. Aprons have fuel spillages, de-icing residues, oil spillages. Put a little covering of water on that, and traction using just 2 nosewheel tyres (no tread) is not possible, especially when there is an upslope, as taxiways often have. Parking positions are usually depressed making initial movement difficult. Even with a heavyish 737, in the rain, a large pushback tug with a big engine can have trouble to the extent that the groundcrew occasionally ask for the start to be delayed to avoid having to push against the aircraft engines. If a large aircraft tug with a big diesel e.ngine can struggle sometimes, how can a small electric motor cope? I would have thought it would require a larger APU to be certified.

Good luck if you can pull it off, but I cannot see it working.
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