Goldhofer has partnered with ARADEX to equip its zero-emission SHERPA-E cargo and pushback tractors as well as its PHOENIX-E towbarless aircraft tractor with battery-powered motors and inverters.
For airport operators, ground handlers and airlines, this solution is integral to offering economical and environmentally friendly baggage and cargo transportation options on the apron, in addition to aircraft handling with a maximum take-off weight of up to 352 tonnes.
Developed by ARADEX, the electric powertrains have been designed to meet the specific requirements of airport operations. They offer high torques as well as balanced and finely tuned power transmission. Offering a space and weight saving solution, the compact power packs are mounted directly on the axle and do not require a gearbox.
“At airports around the world, cargo and aircraft tractors have to satisfy extremely tough requirements each and every day,” said Thomas Vetter, Founder and member of the Executive Board at ARADEX. “This also applies to electrically powered vehicles. I am all the more delighted therefore that, together with Goldhofer, we have succeeded in optimising the configuration of our high-torque drive train so that it is not only very robust but also ensures reliable and balanced towing operations with maximum sensitivity and control.”
Vetter was joined by Goldhofer Head of Airport Technology, Lothar Holder, who said: “Together with ARADEX, we have developed a highly sustainable and perfectly tuned powertrain solution for our fleet of electric tow tractors. It not only provides enormous power, but also develops and delivers it finely controlled.”
Numerous studies and extensive testing at airports including Munich, Zurich and Los Angeles, has shown that emission-free apron handling using the SHERPA-E and PHOENIX-E is both technically feasible and cost-effective. “Since 2019, more and more of our cargo handling customers have been opting for the extremely high-performance solutions integrated in the SHERPA-E. Demand is increasing at a fast pace. Also with the delivery of the first PHOENIX-E to our customer, Lufthansa/ LEOS in December 2021, Goldhofer’s battery-powered solution with ARADEX drive trains is demonstrating its performance capability and efficiency – also in the context of the demanding operational profiles of towbarless towing – and setting the benchmark in this sector,” added Holder.
