Electric Drive Motors for Taxi Use

[atpcliff]

http://evworld.com/serendipity.cfm#1162

I had heard about this. Didn't realize that control of the aircraft on the ground is much better with this electric drive system than what we currently have. We won't need a tug in the future.

cliff
GRB

 

[Tweaker]

Next, we won't get paid until the gear is retracted. Mark my werds!

 

[RiddleEagle18]

How much extra weight? I know that was the issue with earlier versions. Interesting though.

 

[737tanker]

I was told by a Chief Pilot that the system that SWA is looking at weighs 400 lbs.

 

[T45Flyer]

Very cool system. Probably will be standard equipment on future aircraft someday.

-T45

 

[wscrj]

Wheeltug.com

Looks like a much better system. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

 

[Tail Gunner Joe]

I was told by a Chief Pilot that the system that SWA is looking at weighs 400 lbs.

But will it taxi at 40 kts?

 

[LeeRoyJenkins]

But will it taxi at 40 kts?

No, but hopefully it can do 35 kts.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Nice! I kinda like it. The only things that I can think of that they would have to overcome is obviously weight but also, when you would rather have the engines running. A) Short taxi where you would want engines started prior to taxi for warm up and stabilization. B) The engines would need to be powerful enough to climb a steep incline at MGTOW. C) Ability to taxi an aircraft through contaminated surfaces and up an incline. Conversely would they be able to shut off or store energy on down hill slopes where the aircraft is able to roll/gain speed under it's own weight. I hope it works out though. More money in our pockets, right!?

 

[Tweaker]

Who is this "our" you are referring to? Outside of SWA there is only us and them, like in the Pink Floyd song by the same name.