30 APRIL 2012

Index


© 2022 Business Travel News Ltd.

Article from BTNews 30 APRIL 2012

Alitalia for WheelTug

WheelTug, the aircraft ground manoeuvring option, has been taken up by Alitalia, the first Airbus 320 Family operator to sign for the innovative kit which offers environmental and operational flexibility.  The Gibraltar-based design company is already developing the system for the Boeing 737 series in conjunction with El Al. (See AERBT 21 November)

The patented WheelTug electric drive system consists of an electric motor – called "Chorus" – installed in the aircraft nose wheel and powered by the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), the auxiliary engine installed in the tail of aircraft which provides energy to the on-board systems when the main engines are off.

The equipment allows aircraft to taxi both forwards – without the use of main engines – and backwards – without the use of a tow tug.  The Chorus electric motor allows movement of the aircraft from departure gate to runway, and upon landing, from runway exit to the stand for passenger disembarkation.

This new technology is claimed to offer an 80% reduction in the fuel consumption for aircraft ground movements, with a significant reduction in cost, noise and environmental impact.  It also makes the aircraft independent from the tractor for push back, helping to increase operational flexibility and improve on-time operations. www.wheeltug.gi

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum


www.btnews.co.uk