ENGINEERINGNET.BE – Since last week, a Taxibot has been tested at Brussels Airport, in collaboration with TUI fly.
This initiative is part of the Stargate programme, an ambitious project selected by the European Commission to develop and test solutions for more sustainable aviation.
Brussels Airport is the project leader and works together with a diverse consortium of 21 partners, including three European airports and several airlines.
The Taxibot can be controlled by the pilot and is the only recognized solution for a sustainable taxi process and can be used for all B737 and A320 aircraft.
Instead of using its own engines for taxiing, it is the Taxibot, with a biodiesel engine, that tows the aircraft to its destination. The pilot maintains control throughout the entire process and operates the brakes, just as during a traditional taxi process.
This taxiing is just as fast, but ensures a significant reduction in kerosene consumption, emissions (up to 85% less CO2, UFP, NOx, etc.) and noise pollution (up to 60% less noise) during taxiing.
The intention is to test the system on the taxiways of Brussels Airport and thus assess the benefits in this specific operational context.
