lectric Drive Motors for Taxi Use
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lectric Drive Motors for Taxi Use
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I had heard about this. Didn't realize that control of the aircraft on the ground is much better with this electric drive system than what we currently have. We won't need a tug in the future.
cliff
GRB
I had heard about this. Didn't realize that control of the aircraft on the ground is much better with this electric drive system than what we currently have. We won't need a tug in the future.
cliff
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This might make sense if one does a lot of business at smaller facilities without adequate ground handling equipment. I think some military aircraft have such systems for such purposes.
But you'd be paying a weight penalty for the life of the aircraft in increased fuel consumption. If the fuel consumed taxiing was a significant issue, I'd expect to see procedures developed where aircraft are hauled out just short of the runway by a tug. The crew could start engines and take care of some stuff while the tug driver drives them out. But all I've ever seen is tugs used to back the a/c away from the gate or haul them away for maintenance.
But you'd be paying a weight penalty for the life of the aircraft in increased fuel consumption. If the fuel consumed taxiing was a significant issue, I'd expect to see procedures developed where aircraft are hauled out just short of the runway by a tug. The crew could start engines and take care of some stuff while the tug driver drives them out. But all I've ever seen is tugs used to back the a/c away from the gate or haul them away for maintenance.
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Makes alot of sense, need bl**dy big motors on a 777 though.
Which will probably be about an hour into the cruise on a 777.
Also, you have to factor in some engines have a minimum warm up time. My current type, it's five minutes. Not only are the engines going to have to be started while motoring/being towed, there's a big risk of missing a slot should either the crew get the timing wrong or an earlier slot become available. This will inevitably lead to some delays. Plus also consider the hassle of a potential start fault away from the ramp.
Monarch used to have a DC10. To save costs, they used to start the number two just before line up. A great idea, except that they were then getting airborne without it having warmed up sufficiently and they had a couple of in flight shutdowns that engine. A number two engine change on that type is a huge problem. It cost them far more in the long run.
Also, you have to factor in some engines have a minimum warm up time. My current type, it's five minutes. Not only are the engines going to have to be started while motoring/being towed, there's a big risk of missing a slot should either the crew get the timing wrong or an earlier slot become available. This will inevitably lead to some delays. Plus also consider the hassle of a potential start fault away from the ramp.
Monarch used to have a DC10. To save costs, they used to start the number two just before line up. A great idea, except that they were then getting airborne without it having warmed up sufficiently and they had a couple of in flight shutdowns that engine. A number two engine change on that type is a huge problem. It cost them far more in the long run.
