Introduction to the technology

Goldhofer's towbarless aircraft tractors form a tractor generation which has been developed in
collaboration with users and for users under consideration of essential factors such as

• Logistics
• Economics
• Safety
• and ecology.
  
   

The pick-up device

The heart of all Goldhofer AST-tractors is the maintenance-free pick-up device which enables a quick and safe handling of aircraft. During the towing procedure, the pick-up device is continuously controlled and monitored by sensors and any malfunctions are immediately displayed to the driver. This enables him to take action immediately in case of any problems which might occur. The patented cardanic suspension of the pick-up device ensures that the total pick-up device can accomodate the movement of the nose-gear, without inducing additional forces during cornering.

The drive system

The hydrostatic drive system enables gentle and jolt-free acceleration and braking, without the need for shifting, thereby reducing stress on the nose-gear of the aircraft being towed in comparison to conventional drives with powershift transmissions. In doing so, the maximum pull and brake force is automatically limited relative to the aircraft type being picked up. The all-wheel drive system ensures for sufficient traction and good driving stability even under critical runway conditions. 

Modern data bus technology

Use of proven digital control engineering from the automative and truck sectors. Reduction of cabling complexity due to a decentralised alignment of standardised CAN bus components, which are common to all Goldhofer aircraft tractors. The Goldhofer control engineering concept, which is programmed "in-house", offers state-of-the-art safety and service convenience, for example, the individual modules can be easily exchanged via pluggable connections, in order to avoid long downtimes of the tractors in the event of any malfunctions.

User guidance via text diagnostic module

In addition to the multifunctional display for monitoring the diesel engine and vehicle functions, the driver also has a text diagnostic module available in order to further simplify the operation and service convenience of the aircraft tractor. This text diagnostic module means that the driver has continuous dialog with the aircraft tractor. In doing so, the driver is informed in detail regarding all of the executed processes.

Standardised operation on all AST

The operation and alignment of the monitoring and control equipment is largely identical for all Goldhofer aircraft tractors, so that changing vehicles within the individual types requires no adjustment on the part of the driver.

Goldhofer OverTorque Indication System (GOTIS)

The special Goldhofer Overtorque Indication System for the nose-gear has been developed in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer's specifications as well as in accordance with ARP 5284 guidelines.

Steering

The light, hydrostatic power assisted steering system on the front axle realises a steering angle of 60°. This results in excellent manoeuvrability. The AST-1 series can be optionally equipped with a steerable rear axle, and the AST-1X is equipped with steerable rear axles. This offers the option to select between front wheel steering, countersteering (all-wheel steering) and diagonal drive mode as steering variants.

Ergonomic driver's cab

All Goldhofer tractors are designed to be ergonomic and economical. All tractors can be operated by a single driver from the cab, which offers optimal working conditions. The driver's cabs, which have been developed in collaboration with drivers and occupational health specialists, offer ergonomic, without getting tired over long periods. For example, the seat (in some cases incl. steering wheel and controls) can be rotated 180°. The cab is optimally positioned in order to guarantee the best conditions of visibility for the driver. Some vehicle types are equipped with a hydraulically lowerable cab, in order to enable the undertaking of "underbelly operations".

Numerous measures have been implemented in order to additionally improve ride comfort, in other words, to reduce shocks to the spine. For example, all of the tractors (with the exception of AST-2R and AST-3R) are equipped with a hydro-pneumatically cushioned front axle with level adjustment. In addition, the latest generation of air-suspended seats are used. Moreover, all cabs are equipped with a special cab suspension system.