Photo By Senior Airman Isaiah Pedrazzini | Members of Holloman, TowFLEXX Miltech and Evitado conduct an MQ-9 Reaper towing...... read more read more
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The 49th Maintenance Group is advancing its mission readiness through a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract collaboration with Evitado Technologies and its anti-collision solution, and TowFLEXX Miltech, a leading manufacturer of electric, remote-controlled towing vehicles without towbars with a longstanding history of supporting the military.
This partnership is ushering in a new era of towing with the fully electric, emissions-free aircraft tug. The recent demonstration highlighted its capabilities, including towing the MQ-9 Reaper, performing forward towing instead of push backs to reduce stress on landing gear and eliminate the need for a tail walker, those who need to stand behind the aircraft to ensure nothing strikes the rear.
Additionally, they tested the Light and Detection Range collision avoidance system to allow the tug vehicle to safely maneuver and reposition aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles without colliding with objects, personnel, or other obstacles. These advancements in safety and efficiency contribute not only to Holloman’s day-to-day operations but also to the broader strategic goals of the United States Air Force, ensuring safer, faster, and more sustainable operations.
Aircraft towing is a critical task at Holloman AFB and other Air Force bases, with maintenance personnel responsible for moving aircraft, rotorcraft, and UAVs between hangars and runways. The aircraft tug is designed to reduce costs, optimize personnel, and minimize risk. The integrated, advanced LiDAR sensor technology detects obstacles and triggers automatic deceleration and stopping functions, enhancing safety while allowing for single-person operation and complete maneuvering, including full rotations in confined spaces for quicker turnarounds.
“We are testing the Phase II SBIR project, which is engineered for full autonomy, allowing independent aircraft operation,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dwane Parmelee, 49th Component Maintenance Squadron. “The Air Force Warfare Experimentation and Research recently approved an installation here at Holloman, where the LiDAR-enhanced TF3 tug will contribute to cost reductions, significantly reduce manpower needs, and saves time."
Holloman AFB aims to revolutionize aircraft towing operations by making them more efficient, sustainable, and safer, while aligning with the Department of Defense’s Green Procurement Program. This program emphasizes sustainability as a critical component for enhancing mission effectiveness by promoting cost-efficient procurement that meets various standards, including transportation and energy, amongst others. TowFLEXX Miltech’s role in minimizing emissions aligns with these objectives and significantly advances the DoD’s sustainability goals.
As part of this initiative, Holloman conducted a demonstration showcasing the crucial role of the TowFLEXX/Evitado LiDAR-enhanced TF3 MilSpec tug in transporting the MQ-9. The aircraft tug supports the Air Force's Agile Combat Employment strategy by minimizing the time needed to assemble a tow team, leading to safer and more effective aircraft relocations.
In addition, Evitado’s LiDAR enabled technology stack for collision detection and avoidance, which is integrated in the TowFLEXX aircraft tugs, will eliminate human error and fatigue when conducting towing operations, ultimately resulting in increased operational safety and significantly reduced damage to aircraft.
"As the Wing Innovation Superintendent at Luke Air Force Base, I’ve been involved in this project for four years. When I arrived at Holloman, I advocated for a Phase II contract to support the F-16 and MQ-9, which resulted in a $1.25 million award for the MQ-9," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Anger, 49th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance Superintendent. "With our testbed here, we’ve made remarkable progress, completing our goals four months ahead of schedule. I’m excited to see Holloman expand its innovation efforts beyond the 49th MXG."
The aircraft tug showcased its impressive ability to execute 360-degree turns in place, highlighting its exceptional maneuverability and operational flexibility. These features are crucial in scenarios with low clearance heights, tight spaces, and challenging environments. This advanced aircraft towing capability helps maintainers strengthen their situational awareness and prevent accidents while towing, allowing the Air Force to reduce tow teams to essentially one qualified person.
This collaboration highlights Holloman's commitment to advancing aviation ground operations and supporting the USAF's shift toward greener, more sustainable solutions goals while advancing the mission readiness of the U.S. Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 03.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.03.2025 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 491923 |
| Location: | HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 328 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Holloman AFB looks to Revolutionize Aircraft Towing Operations, by SrA Michelle Ferrari, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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