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(Video) How does the "Taxibot" work..
IAI developed with Airbus and TLD an innovative new towbarless towing tractor concept – the TaxiBot (Taxiing Robot). TaxiBot is a semi-autonomous vehicle that enables airplane taxiing without engines running, controlled by the pilot and without shortening NLG life time. A proprietary TaxiBot-aircraft NLG interface mechanism provides pilot steering capability, using the airplane's existing controls in the cockpit. Taxiing speed is controlled by the pilot using the A/C brakes. The TaxiBot… (youtu.be) Ещё...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
This is great technology. It would save millions of gallons of fuel per year which would easily provide the funding for the project by all the airlines if everyone were to chip in even a portion of the fuel savings.
Those who think that the TaxiBot is too innovative, take a look at "Ground Power Assisted Takeoff and Landing". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_carriage). This is a landing gear system connected to the ground, on which aircraft can take off and land without their aircraft-installed landing gear. The technical feasibility of the ground carriage is being investigated by two research groups. In 2013, IATA included the technology into their "Technology Roadmap". Airbus pursues the concept as part of its "Future by Airbus” strategy.[
I seem to recall seeing an article that said they were going to put an electric drive into the nose wheels that would achieve the fuel savings without having to clutter the place up with a bunch of driverless tractors.
here is a youtube video on the Wheel Tug System https://youtu.be/vfueF1iQrz4
Dang! Tremendous savings and less stress on pilots concerned about fuel planning especially in bad weather situations..delays, deicing , etc..
Already being developed, and it Will happen, just not in the form shown here.
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2014-02-11/wheeltug-safran-honeywell-and-iai-offer-three-rival-solutions-airline-engine-taxiing
or google "Wheel Tug" and other competitors
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2014-02-11/wheeltug-safran-honeywell-and-iai-offer-three-rival-solutions-airline-engine-taxiing
or google "Wheel Tug" and other competitors