Goldhofer introduces new Towbarless Aircraft Tractor AST-2 X 490
Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft in Memmingen (Germany) continues to follow its successful path as the premium supplier of Towbarless Aircraft Tractors: With a new product portfolio Goldhofer has adapted to the changing market environment just in time.
Focussing on cost efficiency without compromising on safety and quality, Goldhofer’s 3rd generation of towbarless aircraft tractors represent the optimal tool for ground handlers to move ahead of the market.
On the outside area of the Inter Airport Europe 2009 (Booth D36) Goldhofer presents its newest Towbarless Aircraft Tractor AST-2 X and one of its best sellers, the AST-3 L 140. In addition, Goldhofer’s flagship, the A380 tractor AST-1 X is displayed at booth E50.
The brand new
AST-2 X 490 is the innovative upgrade of the proven AST-2 F/L Towbarless Aircraft Tractors, being equipped with the new Deutz engine generation fulfilling COM III/EPA TIER III.
With 360 kW / 490 HP, the AST-2 X represents the strongest Towbarless Tractor in its class.
A permanent 4-wheel drive system ensures the safe movement of aircraft up to 300t MTOW.
Since its introduction, the AST-2 series covers an extremely wide aircraft range.
As an Allrounder, the new AST – 2 X covers all towing operations, from Push-Back to High-Speed-Long-Distance-Towing
Technical Data: AST-2 X 490
| Length |
8.550 mm |
| Width |
4.500 mm |
| Turning radius |
approx. 9.300 mm |
| Deadweight |
approx. 15.900 kg |
| Aircraft weight |
300.000 kg |
| Engine output |
360 kW / 490 PS |
| Max. speed |
32 km/h |
| Aircraft range |
B737, DC-9 up to A340 |
With the
AST-3 L 140 Goldhofer presents its best selling Towbarless Aircraft Tractor. Altogether 190 tractors of the AST-3 series have been placed in the market, and are proving themselves in daily operation around the globe. Among these are tractors with more than 70.000 aircraft movements.
Technical Data: AST-3 L 140
| Length |
6.990 mm |
| Width |
3.000 mm |
| Turning radius |
approx. 7.500 mm |
| Deadweight |
approx. 9.000 kg |
| Aircraft weight |
160.000 kg |
| Engine output |
103 kW / 140 PS |
| Max. speed |
32 km/h |
| Aircraft range |
ERJ 135/145 up to B767/A300 (with special design) |
„Goldhofer does not only offer cost efficient and innovative solutions within the field of Towbarless Towing. Also in the Aircraft Recovery sector our expertise in heavy transport solutions meets a high demand.“ says Stefan Fuchs, Chief Executive Officer. „At Frankfurt International Airport we are currently upgrading the complete Aircraft Recovery Transport System ARTS-2 to fit the Airbus A380.“
This way Goldhofer offers a complete range of recovery equipment for all kinds of damaged aircrafts, and sets international standards for the entire industry.
Company History:
In 1987 Goldhofer started the development of Towbarless Aircraft Tractors. After only two years, the first prototype was introduced into daily operation at Swissair in Zürich. Today Goldhofers AST-Series consists of four basic types, which cover almost the entire fleet of today’s passenger aircrafts. More than 430 Goldhofer Towbarless Tractors are successful in operation worldwide, and have performed more than 4.1 Million working hours, moved more than 7.4. Million aircraft, and have travelled over 17 Mio km!
