Airbus has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries to explore application of the latter's Taxibot concept, aimed at boosting eco-efficiency by removing the need to turn on an aircraft's main engines during taxi. The concept proposes that a towbarless tractor is used for dispatch towing operations, under pilot control.
That would allow the main engines to remain off. The APU would still need to be activated, to supply power to cockpit and cabin systems. It is envisaged that a joint venture - involving Airbus, IAI and a tractor manufacturer - could be formed to produce and sell Taxibot tractors to airports.
Under the newly signed memorandum of understanding Airbus will supply its A340-600 dedicated test aircraft for ground tests to be conducted as part of a Taxibot feasibility study.
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Source: Flight Daily News
