Ground Support Worldwide - 35

PRODUCT PROFILE

TBD has been creating ground handling equipment for decades. It specializes
in creating equipment that can be used in
harsh environments with high-grade corrosion-resistant materials that are hand built
or robotically welded to very high standards
and tolerances to oppose fatigue from all
working conditions.
Although TBD's Electric-Powered Passenger Stairs have been manufactured for
only one year, they are already receiving
positive feedback from customers utilizing
the equipment.
"One major airline is noting a significant
reduction in turnaround time and 100-percent reduction in aircraft impact damage,"
Attfield points out. "These two aspects
alone are extremely important to airlines
as they represent huge potential cost savings
for the operation."
The TBD Electric-Powered Passenger
Stairs are currently being used by ground
handlers and airlines in the United Kingdom, across Europe and North Africa.
Attfield says TBD can provide stairs to
suit any aircraft fleet, including Airbus and
Boeing fleets along with Embraer models
and many military aircraft. The most popular choice for the electric-drive stairs is the
TPS2435 model.
"This services the single aisle A320/
B737 fleets of many carriers whose busi-

ness models require fast turnarounds while
still ensuring maximum safety," he says.
The electric-drive system can be
installed on any passenger or crew stair in
the TBD range.
TBD offers three different versions of
parallelogram stairs.
Attfield notes that the offerings cover
sill heights from 1.9 to 4.5 meters and a
telescopic version offering coverage from
2.5 to 5.5 meters.
"TBD continually develops products to
ensure compliance and optimize customers'
complex and evolving operational needs,"
Attfield says.
There are multiple key features to the
Electric-Powered Passenger Stairs that are
available, regardless of the type of drive
chosen by the customer.
"The main advantage to the electric stair
is the ability to operate without the need for
diesel or petrol," Attfield says.
"However, TBD's range of powered
passenger stairs features many other
advantages, such as: AHM-compliant
anti-collision and top platform driving
piston, including height control."
The stairs are fitted with AHM913-compliant, full-speed control technology, which
automatically reduces the speed of the
equipment on approach and stops before
contact is made to aircraft.

There are also optional features available
for the Electric-Powered Passenger Stairs.
Attfield says solar charging is a key option
to provide the operator with a complete
self-sufficient product. Customers can
also specify if they want corporate colors
and branding.
Being in certain geographic locations,
with certain climate conditions and traffic
volumes, can influence the use of the Electric-Powered Passenger Stairs significantly.
"Ideally, the airport infrastructure will
be capable of providing charge points on
the stand. TBD's solar charging option can
ensure operation without charge points.
However, this isn't completely reliable at
all times of the day and in all geographic
regions," Attfield says.
Regular inspections and maintenance are
critical to keeping the equipment up-todate and secure.
"All TBD products are provided with
strict guidance on all maintenance procedures needed throughout the life of the
product," Attfield says. "TBD engineers also
give direct training to maintenance providers on site."

ALL THINGS EQUAL, EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
TransCon Service Maintenance
Vehicle
Model HTSBSUV
With Scissor Lift

Charger Electric Baggage-Cargo
Tractor

Model HLE
Available with lead-acid or lithium battery

TransCon
Baggage-Cargo Tractor

Classic Baggage-Cargo Tractor
Model HT30-60

Model HTSB30-60
Also available with lithium battery

As a manufacturer of our own parts and components, we have the ability to customize parts as well as support parts beyond standard expected part life in the industry.

TransCon APV
Airport Maintenance Vehicle
Model HTSBAPV

www.harlan-corp.com
+1-800-255-4262
sales@harlan-corp.com

AviationPros.com/10017401

FEBRUARY 2020

AviationPros.com

http://www.harlan-corp.com http://www.AviationPros.com/10017401 http://www.AviationPros.com

Ground Support Worldwide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ground Support Worldwide