Delta 737NG's to Have Electric Drive Nosewheel in 2009...

[overseas boy]

Virgin America has 74's?

 

[Whataburger]

20 mph is fast enough for the reverse gear.

Ok I agree with that. We'll need some curb feelers and rear view mirrors then.

 

[nonstop]

Are they gonna install rear view mirrors too?

We have outsourced $8/hour rampers who can clear us to blindly reverse. That blank stare they have just means they're concentrating extra hard on their peripheral vision scan.

 

[Skywest Pylot]

Here's a video demonstration of the wheeltug technology. No technical mumbo jumbo. It's an actual airplane being moved with the device.

http://www.wheeltug.gi/WheelTug_demonstration_video.mov

 

[SLOTH]

Are they gonna install rear view mirrors too?

Nope, just a back-up camera that outputs to you FMS screen a-la the GPS back-up camera gear that you see on some of the SUVs/cars.

 

[Skywest Pylot]

Here is an interesting financial benefits calculator.

http://www.wheeltug.gi/financial.php

Even at $1.65/gallon it seems like it could save quite a bit of money. I just wonder how much extra fuel will be burned carrying that thing aloft.

 

[Headfake14]

I didn't watch/read any of the links in this thread, but I did some reading up on WheelTug a while back. I think the unit weighs around 200lbs. It can also be installed on a main gear instead of the nose gear.

What ever excessive nose fwd specific fuel consumption increase there may be can be ofset with loading more bags/cargo in aft bins.

Each unit is unique to a/c type. The one for the 737 can't work on a 757 or A320..ect.

You also save $$ with NOT having to keep up as much ramp equipment...pushback tugs, tow bars..ect.

 

[CA1900]

You just quoted speculation by the author...

I realized that very shortly after posting it, which is why I changed the wording of my reply, but you'd already quoted it. You were just too fast for me!

 

[Benjamin Dover]

Plus 20mph is Waaaayyyyy too slow!!!! We'd need Tim the Tool Man to boost that up a bit.

It would also cause problems having to stop and set the parking brake every time so the captain can start the engines

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

I just want to know if the FOMs will be changed to allow me to eat my meal, talk on my cellphone, and forget to turn off my turn signal while "driving" out to the runway.

 

[D.sanchez]

Hi!

Virgin America has already been towing 747s to the runway via tug, and then starting up close to takeoff time.

cliff
YIP

I think United does this (or did this) for their ORD-Hong Kong 747 flights because the taxi burn can get very high at ORD