WheelTug receives FAA go-ahead for airplane E-Taxi System certification plans

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted the certification plans for the innovative WheelTug aircraft electric drive system for Boeing 737NG aircraft. The WheelTug system enables an airplane to taxi forward and backward, using small electric motors in its nosewheels rather than jet engines or a tow tug. It will benefit airlines by well over US$1m per airplane per year, reduce fuel consumption and emissions at airports, and save up to 20 minutes in ground time between flights. Additionally, WheelTug will enable airplanes to parallel park at terminal gates; using two doors for narrowbody boarding and deplaning will allow for even more expedited travel.