Three Types of Tugs and When to Use Them

There are a wide variety of different types of aircraft tugs; and each model has features that indicate the type of job each one is designed to perform.  Towbar tugs, towbarless, gas-powered and high-tech electric-powered tugs serve invaluable ground-support at countless airports in every corner of the globe.  Thanks to tugs, aircraft can be pushed and pulled to any desired or necessary location on airport grounds with, absolute, ease.  Helicopters, private planes, corporate jets, commercial airliners and huge cargo freighters depend on tugs; and here are three that are worth their weight in gold.

Engine-Powered Towbarless Tugs

Engine-powered tow-bar tugs are extremely useful for pulling massive aircraft that weigh hundreds of tons; but towbar varieties are giving way to more versatile engine-powered towbarless aircraft tugs.  Models include water-cooled diesel engines which fulfill EPA emission standards, as well as designs that can be, effortlessly, maneuvered into any desired position, thanks to power-assisted steering.  With towbarless tugs, the tow bar is of no use since this type of tug utilizes hydraulics to raise the wheel of the aircraft and, then, position it on top of the tug, itself.  Electric motors mean no maintenance and no oil changes.   Engine-powered, towbarless tugs cater to a myriad of different types of aircraft.

Electric Towbarless Remote-controlled Tugs

Technology permeates every industry; and the manufacturing of state-of-the-art tugs is no exception.  Electric, towbarless, remote-controlled tugs are battery operated; and they offer some very distinct advantages:  no emission, no noise and no on-board operator!

Electric aircraft tugs, in general, can easily perform 90-degree turns, thereby, minimizing shunting space.  Electric models with extremely-flat formations and compact configurations, also, means exit paths become obsolete as well as equipment mounted under the fuselage.  As a result, maximized utilization of hangar space becomes available.

The remote-control feature of electric towbarless aircraft tugs translates into optimal safety and efficiency.  The remote-control feature allows one to: 1) turn aircraft, on the spot, with no wingtip movement 2) fix the nose wheel, hydraulically and 3) utilize automatic steering control.  Yes, the remote control feature is impressively safe and easy.  The 1-man operation allows for 100% visibility which means a wingman is unnecessary.

Pushback Tugs

Pushback tugs do what their name implies – they push aircraft backwards.  These nifty machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are powered by battery-supplied electricity or diesel fuel.   Pushback tugs require the presence of a driver and a wing walker, who provides a second set of eyes that makes sure all obstacles, including people, are free from the rear of the aircraft.  Depending on airport protocol, the pushback tug driver will give a ‘thumbs up’ for the pilot to start the plane’s engines.

Conventional pushback tugs connect to the plane’s nose gear through the use of a towbar, while more hefty pushback tugs, known as ‘high-speed’ tugs, actually pull up to, and wrap around, the plane’s nose gear and raise the nose off the ground! High-speed tugs push mammoth aircraft such as 747s and A380s away from the gate area; or they tow planes on longer hauls to temporary parking areas.

Aircraft tugs – they may not make the world go ’round; but they, certainly, keep airports moving like they should! – can you imagine airports operating without them?