They may not carry passengers, but aircraft tugs play an important behind-the-scenes role in the aviation industry. Also known as pushback tractors, they are designed to move airplanes. Airplanes can’t easily move and maneuver on the ground. Tugs, however, are designed specifically to move airplanes so that airports operate more smoothly. Here are six facts about tugs.
#1) Used for Towing, Not Taxiing
Tugs are used specifically for towing, not taxiing. Taxiing is the movement of an airplane on the ground using the airplane’s own propulsion. Towing or pushback, on the other hand, is the movement of an airplane on the ground using a separate ground vehicle, such as a tug.
#2) Cost-Effective
Tugs are very cost-effective. Assuming there’s enough space, airplanes can often move themselves on the ground using their own propulsion. The problem with doing so, however, is the cost. Airplanes, particularly large jet-powered airplanes, will burn a substantial amount of fuel. Tugs are smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles that reduce the need for expensive taxiing.
#3) There Are 2 Types of Tugs
Not all tugs are the same. There are two primary types of rugs in the aviation industry: conventional and towbarless. Conventional tugs feature a long metal bar that connects to the airplane’s nose landing gear, whereas towbarless tugs are designed to lift the airplane’s nose wheel onto a cradle. In the past, conventional tugs were the go-to choice for airports, but towbarless tugs have become increasingly common in recent years because they protect airplanes from unnecessary wear and tear.
#4) Can Weight Over 100,000 Pounds
Some tugs are quite heavy. You can find them in a wide range of sizes and strengths. Smaller tugs are typically used to tow regional and private jets, whereas larger tugs are used to move commercial airliners like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. Because commercial airliners are so large and heavy, these heavy-duty tugs often weigh over 100,000 pounds.
#5) Diesel, Electric and Hybrid Models
There are diesel, electric and hybrid tugs. Diesel tugs are the most common. They can tow heavy airplanes safely and reliably. Electric and hybrid models, though, are often used for smaller airplanes. They may not have the same towing capacity, but they run quieter and typically require less maintenance.
#6) Advanced Features
They may look like simple ground vehicles, but tugs are often equipped with many advanced features. They typically have anti-slip traction control, for instance, to prevent skidding. Many tugs also have hydraulic braking and even fly-by-wire steering.
