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Quick-Turn Prototypes Fast-Track Innovation for Airport Pushback Tugs
Published on November 19, 2019Next time you're at the airport, look out the window and see if you can spot one of the new TUG™ ALPHA 4 pushback vehicles, reimagined with the latest industry technology by Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (Textron GSE) and featuring a vital component from DSTI.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - November 19, 2019 - Next time you're at the airport, look out the window and see if
you can spot one of the new TUG™ ALPHA 4 pushback vehicles, reimagined with the latest industry
technology by Textron Ground Support Equipment (Textron GSE) and featuring a vital component from
DSTI.
Since airplanes don't have a reverse gear they must be 'pushed' or moved onto taxiways. Coordination and
precision is mandatory when an airplane is on the other end of a tow bar but operator visibility often poses
a problem. Similar to other conventional pushbacks, ALPHA 4 is equipped with hydraulic lifting cylinders
that raise the cab to allow operators to see more clearly in all directions, but unlike others it features
an innovative rotating operating console; eliminating the need for a rear cab.
Brad Compton, director of global sales, Textron GSE (qtd. in Smith) states that "the rotating operator
console allows the operators to swivel around and operate the vehicle 'in reverse', which allows for clear
sight of the surroundings behind the vehicle."
During ALPHA 4 development, Textron GSE turned to DSTI for a custom fluid rotary union to properly pass
important wiring and hydraulic hoses between the stationary cab and rotating console.
To meet their ambitious 8-week prototype deadline, DSTI acted fast by gathering performance criteria,
envelope constraints and important application details such as media-pressure, duty-cycle and
life-expectancy, to adequately engineer a cost-effective solution within Textron GSE's budget.
"After developing thousands of custom rotary unions, from one-off designs to high volume production units,
DSTI has built an extensive library of knowledge and best practices that allow us to approach project's
strategically in order to achieve all customer expectations," said DSTI sales engineer Jeremy
Weigel.
DSTI incorporated field-proven seals into the design and plated the entire part in a process known for its
improved durability and corrosion-resistant properties, ensuring a long and maintenance-free service
life.
As an added value, DSTI branded the union with TUG's logo and part number machined into the side of the
housing; making it easier for customers when it's time to order refurbishment kits.
"When solving challenges within your industry, DSTI's agile team can help turn your ideas into reality, no
matter how small or complex they may be," said Weigel.
Smith, Josh. "Added Versatility for Pushback Operations." Aviation
Pros, Endeavor Business Media, 17 Oct. 2018, www.aviationpros.com/gse/pushbacks-tractors-utility-vehicles/article/12430327/added-versatility-for-pushback-operations
Watch it in action on YouTube: "TUG ALPHA 4"
About Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc.
Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is a leading global provider of
ground support equipment and service under the TUG™, Douglas™, Premier™, and
Safeaero™ brands. Textron GSE offers a full product lineup of conventional and towbarless pushbacks,
baggage tractors, tow tractors, belt loaders, single and dual operation deicers, ground power units, air
starts, and air conditioning units. These products are built in world-class manufacturing facilities around
the world, from Kennesaw, Ga., Marinette, Wis., Trelleborg, Sweden; and Wuxi, China, in addition to 20
airport service locations across the world. Textron GSE operates as part of the Textron Specialized Vehicles
Inc. business. For more information, please visit www.textrongse.com
Dynamic Sealing Technologies, Inc. (DSTI) specializes in the design and manufacturing of application-specific fluid solutions worldwide. DSTI's engineered fluid sealing products transfer hydraulic oil, chemicals, water, air, and a variety of other liquids and gases for rotating applications. The company offers custom integrated solutions to meet the unique design, manufacturing, testing, and qualification requirements of each project. DSTI has a full line of in-stock, standard fluid and electrical products including fluid rotary unions and electrical slip rings designed to meet a wide range of industrial applications.
