In response to the growing demand for greater efficiency and sustainability in gate operations, Ground Services Equipment (GSE) manufacturer Goldhofer is showcasing its ATLAS 2 pushback tractor for the first time at this year’s GSE Expo. The show is taking place in Las Vegas from 16-18 September.
Describing the vehicle’s debut as a milestone for the future of gate operations, Martin Rieser, Director of Research and Development at Goldhofer said: “With the ATLAS 2 we have created a zero emission vehicle that greatly simplifies procedures at the gate and makes them safer.”
Developed for use at the gate, the all-electric towbar-less pushback tracter is based on the tried-and-tested PHOENIX platform, but is enhanced with developments to meet requirements of modern gate operations.
“Our customers stand to gain from a system that is compatible with almost all of today’s usual types of aircraft – from the ERJ 170 to the B777-300ER – while at the same time replacing several conventional vehicles.”
The absence of a tow bar helps reduce the risk of aircraft damage and downtime with substantial follow-up costs by avoiding problems including shear pin failure. The vehicle has also been equipped with a pick-up process for the nose landing gear. It also regulates the permissible braking and towing forces in accordance with the type of aircraft being handled. This reduces the load on the nose gear and ensure gentle handling.
In addition, 360-degree all-round vision ensures a better overview when manoeuvring, which helps increase safety and comfort for the driver. Luca Kohler, Product Management Airport Technology at Goldhofer underlined: “For us, safety is not an optional extra; it is an integral part of the vehicle’s DNA. The ATLAS 2 supports users with a simple guided operating concept for active protection against operator errors.”
With its modular vehicle architecture, the ATLAS 2 features a standard basic vehicle with identical drive, battery system and pick-up. It can be configured in line with customer needs and the operational profile required. Rieser explained, “We have developed a system that grows with the requirements – whether in single-gate operaion or in complex multi-gate scenario.”
