Pushback without Tugs, Taxi without Engines -

WheelTug is a powerful new system capable of allowing aircraft to taxi both backwards and forwards without the use of tugs or engines.

Using two small proprietary in-wheel Chorus Meshcon motors, pilots can turn off their engines and realize the following benefits:

Substantial fuel savings
Increased safety and flexibility of operations
Faster turnaround times
Reduced engine wear and repair costs
Reduced emissions and noise pollution

Fuel Savings

When aircraft taxi using their engines, they consume significant amounts of fuel.

A typical 737 will consume between 17 and 25 pounds/minute while idling. WheelTug, by requiring only APU power for taxiing purposes, can cut that fuel cost substantially. With a typical 737, fuel savings of between 13 and 21 pounds/minute of taxi time can be expected.

This not only saves fuel, it can cut the amount of fuel required for unexpected ground delays.

On typical short to medium-haul routes, these aircraft spend a significant percentage of their time on the ground – these savings can really add up.

Demonstration video’s:

WheelTug Ground Test at Prague Airport – June, 2012