IAI and Airbus develop semi-robotic towbarless tractor

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Lahav Division is continuing studies with aircraft manufacturer Airbus on the development of a semi-robotic towbarless tractor called the TaxiBot Dispatch Towing System.

Major components of the TaxiBot concept include a towbarless FMC Technologies (now JBT AeroTech) PTS-1 tug equipped with a unique mechanical interface to the nose landing gear; a low-level control function for driving the vehicle; and a vehicle electronics system that provides high-level control for managing towing operations while in pilot-control mode.

Operation of TaxiBot would be managed by a command, control and communications centre, which would monitor the behaviour of the system and control mission execution. An advanced, flexible, wireless communication system would enable datalinks, video, and audio transfer.

TaxiBot would be compatible with any type of commercial aircraft, and would not require any modifications to the airframe, avionics or airport infrastructure. The pilot would remain in communication with ground controllers in the ATC tower, and the mechanical interface linking the TaxiBot to the aircraft would provide full control, using existing cockpit controls as during conventional taxiing operations. IAI describes this as giving a "transparent taxiing feeling" to the pilot.