TREPEL Airport Equipment is making a significant entry into the global airport operator market with a new innovation. The CHARGER 380e, an aircraft tow tractor with an electric drive, is positioned as the most powerful in its class.
“The right product at the right time,” remarked Managing Director Roland Hartwig on Tuesday, 23 July, at the company’s headquarters in Tauberbischofsheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The vehicle not only plays a crucial role in reducing emissions during flight operations.
Developed in 2020, the CHARGER 380 underwent extensive field testing before its market release this year. With production now in full swing, 17 units featuring three different drives have already been sold. Encouraged by positive feedback, TREPEL has increased its sales targets, aiming to sell 30 e-models by 2025, which have garnered the most interest. However, diesel and hybrid versions will still be available. “30 units represent only five percent of TREPEL’s annual production, but the vehicle’s high performance means its value retention is significantly higher,” noted Hartwig.
The CHARGER 380e boasts a 309-kilowatt electric motor, approximately 10 percent more powerful than the leading tug currently on the market. It can tow up to 380 tonnes, lift up to 41 tonnes, and reach speeds of up to 32 km/h, enhancing productivity by accelerating handling.
Speed is also critical during taxiing, as the CHARGER 380e positions aircraft directly at the take-off point, reducing turbine wear and potentially saving up to one tonne of fuel per operation, depending on the aircraft type. This aligns with airport operators’ goals to reduce CO2 emissions throughout their operations.
In terms of configuration, the electric tow tractor falls into the middle of three size classes and is highly flexible thanks to its power and towbarless coupling, making it suitable for aircraft up to the Boeing 777 or Airbus A340-600. The towbarless coupling allows the nose wheel to be enclosed by two arms mounted directly on the tug, reducing labour intensity as personnel are needed only in the aircraft and tractor, not on the airfield.
Safety and ergonomics are also prioritised in the CHARGER 380e. The vehicle cabin offers more space, and the fully swivelling seat ensures the driver maintains an ergonomic posture in all operating modes, eliminating the need for external handling.
The tow tractor has already piqued the interest of airport operators. According to the German Aviation Association’s climate protection portal, German airports had reduced their emissions by around 20 percent by 2019. “But they need to make further reductions to maintain the number of take-offs and landings,” explained Hartwig. Reducing emissions from apron traffic, including aircraft tugs, is a key focus. “A CHARGER 380e contributes doubly to emission reductions. Aircraft spend less time operating on the airfield, and the tugs no longer emit during their missions.”
The demand for all-electric aircraft tractors is rising, with numerous airlines and airport operators announcing conversion programmes, some exceeding 100 units. “We aim to capitalise on this with TREPEL,” announced Hartwig. However, the current power supply at airports remains a challenge, as tugs require more power than the typical 80 volts. Hartwig indicated that 600 to 800 volts would be ideal for new battery systems, necessitating rapid investment in power infrastructure.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.