september2021 - 61

PRODUCT PROFILE
r train for Pushback
delivers eco-friendly performance that can
handle the requirements of daily pushback
operations.
" With no battery maintenance, such
as battery watering, the TUG ALPHA
1 increases the productivity of the crew
and reduces operating expense. The battery
also charges twice as fast as lead acid,
which means you consume less electricity
to charge the vehicle, resulting in lower
power bills, " Chaffin says, adding the
TUG ALPHA 1 can accommodate most EV
charging stations like a PosiCharge or Minit
Charger, and an optional J1772 on-board
charger is also available to allow users to
charge the pushback by plugging into a
standard 110V or 220V outlet.
The TUG ALPHA 1 was designed to perform
12 pushbacks at maximum capacity
per charge. Chaffin says this is equivalent
to pushing a fully loaded A321 for 1,000
yards, or 10 miles of travel unloaded, which
equates to approximately 3-6 percent of
charge per push. The lithium technology
can also make use of opportunity charging
to extend the vehicle's run-time, if needed.
" The Battery Management System (BMS)
installed on the TUG ALPHA 1 utilizes a
telemetry system that monitors the health
and performance of the battery. The BMS
is basically the brains behind lithium technology,
and its job is to ensure the battery is
performing as expected by reviewing things
like state-of-charge levels, battery temperature,
etc., " Chaffin says. " If anything faults
and produces levels that require attention,
the BMS system will shut down the battery
until the issue is resolved. "
Additional Features
The TUG ALPHA 1 was developed to feature
automotive-style throttle and braking.
The pushback also offers creep forward
functionality as a driver lifts his or her foot
off the brake, which allows crew members
to inch forward when connecting the plane.
" All models are also equipped with
everything you need from LED headlights,
E-stops and even fender storage areas perfect
for small equipment like batons or
vehicle chocks, " Chaffin says.
The cabin area was engineered for three
people and centrally positions the driver for
enhanced visibility to the tow-bar. Ergonomic
features and other characteristics
like suspension seating, tilt steering and
an easy-to-reach touchscreen control panel
are designed for user comfort while audio
jacks located in the front and rear of the
vehicle ensure clear communication with
crew members.
" The TUG ALPHA 1 also has plenty of
options for customers to consider including
full or economy cab, HVAC system, maintenance
jacks and a J1772 on-board charger
for the lithium model, " Chaffin adds.
Currently, Textron GSE has several
demo units deployed with customers who
operate narrow-body aircraft.
" Feedback has been very positive, and
customers have been impressed with the
functionality, safety and all the standard
features that the TUG ALPHA 1 offers, "
Chaffin notes.
" Part of the Textron GSE new product
development process is to include feedback
from its customers regarding vehicle use,
working conditions and functionality, "
he adds. " This collaboration explored all
facets from vehicle design to its operation
and identified opportunities to enhance
performance beneficial to the customer. "
The TUG ALPHA family consists of
four products - the TUG ALPHA 1, TUG
ALPHA 3, TUG ALPHA 4 and TUG
ALPHA 5 - built to handle aircraft of
varying weights.
The TUG ALPHA 1 utilizes common
parts found across the TUG ALPHA family,
reducing the number of unique parts
required to perform maintenance.
When spec'ing pushbacks, ground handlers
need to consider ballast weight, which
is important as it relates to the gross vehicle
weight of the aircraft; pushback distance
and functionality; performance requirements
such as governed speed, cab, lights,
etc.; the working environment, such as
snow, ice and inclines, as draw bar calculations
factor in all conditions and necessary
requirements; and safety enhancements
like handrails and remote maintenance
components.
General pushback maintenance may
include inspecting the vehicle's lighting;
ensuring tires have adequate tread and
are inflated to the proper pressure; checking
hitch components for abnormal wear;
performing daily fluid checks and routine
scheduled maintenance as outlined in the
owner's manual.
" Selecting the proper pushback based on
the aircraft and job performed ensures you
have the right product to support on-time
departures, " Chaffin concludes.
SEPTEMBER 2021 AviationPros.com 61
Photos courtesy of Textron GSE
http://www.AviationPros.com
september2021

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