TaxiBot for airliners

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

Here's a sensible device:


(click on image for link)

It moves the airliner while it is on the ground, which saves jet fuel.

[Piwoslaw]

Looks like the tractors that push a plane away from the gate. If they can be used for running up and down the taxiway to reduce fuel, then very good

There was once a thread at the HalfBakery about using linear motors to catapult planes on runways, aircraft carrier-style. The final concensus was that the beefed up landing gear needed for this would delete any fuel savings from assisted acceleration.

[FastPlastic]

I like the idea, but I have one thing to add. Unless the air conditioning truck is there the plane would still needs to run the engines for the AC.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by FastPlastic

I like the idea, but I have one thing to add. Unless the air conditioning truck is there the plane would still needs to run the engines for the AC.

There you go thinking about the welfare of the passengers again. That's so.... ...80's. Next thing you'll want is an airline passengers' bill of rights!

[theycallmeebryan]

Why not have chained tracks along each taxiway that the front landing gear latched on to? It could be electrically powered like a ski lift or the lift of a roller coaster, instead it will pull the plane along the taxiway.