SESAR’s HERON project showcases hybrid-electric towing vehicles in live trials

The three-year SESAR European Digital Sky Demonstrator HERON has achieved a major milestone through live demonstrations of their Taxibot, a pilot-controlled hybrid-electric tug designed to tow aircraft between gates and runways without the need for engine power. 

As part of HERON’s ground operations study, the Taxibot significantly reduces unnecessary fuel consumption, cutting CO₂ and NOₓ emissions and lowering noise pollution.

Following the live demonstration, the technology is now certified for retrofit on Airbus single-aisle aircraft, with easyJet planning a live trial at Schiphol airport later this year.

Amsterdam Schiphol, which targets zero emissions by 2030, is one of several major hubs participating in the trials, alongside Paris Charles de Gaulle, Brussels, New York JFK and New Delhi airports. Future developments include a fully electric version and a variant for widebody aircraft.

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