Distant managed tugs are getting used to maneuver F-15 Eagles across the flight line and thru hangars at Robins Air Pressure Base. F-15 plane upkeep staff with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complicated (WR-ALC) have 10 TowFLEXX 5.4 (TF-5), low profile plane tugs to maneuver the plane round hangars the place conventional tugs can’t maneuver. The TF-5 operator makes use of a distant management stomach pack to regulate the tug whereas attaching, transferring and releasing any plane with 360 levels of strolling round functionality. Nobody has to sit down underneath the plane whereas positioning or transferring the plane. Additionally, there aren’t any dangerous exhaust fumes or loud engine noises whereas maneuvering an plane by a hangar
Carl Motter Jr., 402nd Plane Upkeep Group (AMXG) TowFLEXX program supervisor mentioned,“AMXG researched new expertise that might flip an F-15 plane in a 65-foot circle contained in the excessive bay space of Constructing 125. The standard tug-and-tow bar configuration wouldn’t clear tight constraints inside this constructing for turning and positioning plane. With the TF-5, there’s higher mobility and fewer repositioning concerned to position an plane in a piece stand, and it could possibly deal with any plane as much as 120,000 kilos. The TF- 5 doesn’t require gasoline. It’s powered by 4 12-volt direct present, 200 AMP/hour batteries. It meets the brand new laws for all inexperienced procurement for the Division of Protection and the WR-ALC.”
Commercial
As well as, there are value financial savings whereas utilizing the TF-5. Labor value is diminished by $240 an hour per plane that must be positioned into the following workstation. Its use will increase manufacturing with diminished labor effort. The WR-ALC ,the standard tug will nonetheless be used. The TF-5 might be used to maneuver F-15s and different plane underneath 120,000 kilos. For lengthy distances, a standard tug-and-tow bar might be used. The personnel within the F-15 flights could have a chance to discover ways to correctly use and to arrange the TF-5 on an F-15 earlier than utilizing them. The 402nd AMXG labored with the Robins Air Pressure Base coaching group to develop programs for members within the F-15 squadrons. Any mechanic that goes by the WR-ALC coaching course and acquires a certificates of completion after passing the course might be able to working the TF-5.
The TF-5’s small dimension and capabilities permits the tug to be a simple merchandise to deploy. The TF-5 may be loaded into any cargo airplane and transported wherever on the planet the place tugs and tow bars haven’t been shipped,” he mentioned. “It will permit the advance-deployment personnel to maneuver plane just like the A-10 (Thunderbolt II), F-16 (Combating Falcon), F-22 (Raptor), F-35 (Lightning II) plane into shelters for security and safety with the power to make use of the area extra effectively. The chances are limitless for all of the plane this tools can be utilized on at Robins AFB and all through the navy. As workload calls for enhance and with the necessity to make the most of present hangar area, new expertise might be required to take care of this nation’s property world wide.
