Towing aircraft on airfields
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
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picked up by the nose wheel and shuffled around Frankfurt all the time; even when empty, they're not that light.
If there was a big commercial incentive, then a "lift the main gear" tug
If there was a big commercial incentive, then a "lift the main gear" tug
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fife, Scotland
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I would have thought that the forces on the nosewheel when towed are caused by wind, rolling resistance of the tyres and inertia.
Although the rolling resistance will increase with the weight and number of wheels, inertia potentially creates the greatest force.
If acceleration/ braking is regulated then the inertia loads could be controlled to within safe limits, so the effect of aircraft weight is diminished?
Or have I got this wrong as well?
Although the rolling resistance will increase with the weight and number of wheels, inertia potentially creates the greatest force.
If acceleration/ braking is regulated then the inertia loads could be controlled to within safe limits, so the effect of aircraft weight is diminished?
Or have I got this wrong as well?
Join Date: Jul 2013
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The greater the plane's mass the greater the inertia, then as you say, rolling resistance (tyres), friction (bearings and ground surface), gradient, wind etc. all add to the task. A very smooth and steady acceleration from standstill to taxi speed will certainly reduce strain whatever is being towed.
