Gallery: WheelTug electric taxi system

Linda Blachly January 10, 2017
Credit: WheelTug

The pilot uses a lever on the control panel to move the aircraft forward or backward, and the existing yoke to steer the nosewheels. An optional camera system provides additional independence from ground personnel.

Credit: WheelTug

WheelTug allows the aircraft to maneuver around the gate without requiring a tow tug or using the engines, and that ability to avoid human and other factors that can delay pushback is the key to the company’s business case.

Credit: WheelTug

The WheelTug system comprises new nosewheels with integral electric motors that, along with an aircraft electronics unit and a cockpit control panel, can be installed in two overnight operations.

Credit: WheelTug

The company is focusing demonstrating benefits to airlines in time savings during pushback.

WheelTug has begun work to complete development of its electric taxi system after FAA signed off on its certification plan. Aiming for FAA approval on the Boeing 737NG by late 2018, the company is focusing demonstrating benefits to airlines in time savings during pushback.

Linda Blachly

Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.