LB Series Military Aviation Tug

Fully-electric aircraft tugs of the Mototok LB-Series are the ideal solution for ground support equipment (GSE) for military aviation operations – utterly reliable and dependable, simple and highly flexible to use, with cutting-edge towbarless technology and remote-controlled precision, as well as numerous built-in safety features. The nose wheel of the aircraft is picked up hydraulically and the aircraft is moved around by pushing or pulling. The Tug is controlled via a wireless or alternatively a wired remote control. Transverse forces are not inflicted upon the nosewheel and landing gear hence no damgage will be caused to the bearings and other landing gear related components. According to the relative rotation speed of both driving wheels every route can be performed.

The LB-series comes with outstanding benefits, such as:

  • Full electric drive

  • Radio remotely controlled, alternatively cable controlled

  • Fully automatic nose gear engaging function: loads and unloads the nosewheel automatically with one tap on the remote

  • Only 1 person required for operation

  • Applicable for single or double nose wheel

  • Hydraulic adjustment of the mouth opening depth to adapt to the nose wheel diameter

  • High powered electric motors

  • No driving license required

  • Minimal operating costs, quickest Return on Investment

  • Minimal maintenance costs

  • Park your aircraft using the last corner of your hangar and save space

All LB-models are standardly equipped with

  • Advanced Radio Remote Control

  • Fully automatic 1-click-loading system

  • Driving lights

  • Yellow flashlight and safety beeper

Optional Equipment

  • Ground power cable for gound power connection

  • Trailer coupling adaptor for multi-functional extensions

  • Automatic controls by ground markings (AGV functionality)

  • Adaptations for special demands

  • Spiral cable connection (15 m) between Mototok and control unit instead of radio remote control

  • Saltwater resistance

Convenient Usage

Loading the nose gear is as simple as tapping a button on the remote.

With the Mototok LB-Series, loading and unloading the nose gear of your military aircraft is quick, simple, and safe thanks to an automatic hydraulic and sensor-controlled system unique in this class of aircraft tugs. Simply drive the Mototok up to the nose wheel. The wheel is then hydraulically fixed firmly in position and raised – ready for take off! All this with no awkward strap, no inconvenient winch. No bolts or tools are required.

  • Radio remote controlled operating under an industrial frequency code approved for airports

  • Automatic connection to the aircraft‘s nose wheel with one tap on a button of the remote

  • No straps, no winch, no tools required

Suitable for different tire sizes.

As standard, the Mototok LB Series is equipped with a nose wheel platform consisting of:

  • 2 wedges that fix the nose wheel in the lower area and

  • 1 or 2 safety paddles (depending on the nose wheel used, can be replaced in a few easy steps).

The safety paddle(s) ensure a secure, force-locked and form-fit fixation of the nose wheel. This safely prevents the nose wheel from sliding out upwards, which would make the aircraft no longer controllable.

Safety First

We care about your aircraft.

The hydraulic clamping mechanism of the LB-Series encloses the nose wheel fully hydraulically and sensor controlled with gentle force and prevents it from slipping out of the nose wheel platform. This technology is unique in this class of tugs.

Special adaptions for NH 90, V-22,Casa and similar

Helicopter models such as the NH90, the V-22 tilt-rotor convertible aircraft or various aircraft offer little to no space to ensure a secure form-fit fixation upwards. Therefore Mototok has developed special fixation elements for these models, which are adapted to the diameters of the corresponding nose wheels to ensure maximum frictional connection.

Ground power included

All Models of the LB Series are equipped with Ground power sockets for supplying the aircraft with power for electrical equipment on board (cockpit, galley, air conditioning, etc.)

Oversteering Protection System

With the help of the torque measuring system, excessive stress on the nose gear due to oversteering or other destructive forces is eliminated, when it's impossible to pull out the torque link pin. When a defined torque is reached, the Mototok warns the operator and shuts down if the warning is not heeded. This is applicable for both single and double nose wheel.

Torque-Link-Alarm-System M-PAS (e.g. for the F-16)

The M-PAS ensures that the NLG-torque-link pin is removed prior to and completion of towing. The torque link pin must be inserted into the Mototok socket. The Mototok will not drive unless the torque link pin has been inserted into the Mototok socket.

Active steering for operating on ships

Normally, the torque of one of the drive motors is reduced to steer the Mototok. Steerable castors ensure that the loss of torque, which is actually necessary for propulsion, remains as low as possible.

The advantage is better steerability on inclined planes and slippery surfaces such as aircraft carriers.

Magnetic Emergency System for Aircraft Carrier

The magnetic emergency system prevents the mototok from slipping on the surface of an aircraft carrier during heavy weather and sea conditions at an extreme incline. A strong permanent magnet on each side of the Mototok ensures a secure hold on metal ship decks in case of emergency. They can be activated by the operator manually on the remote when there is a risk of sliding.

Trailer coupling adaptor. Mototok pulls everything.

LB-Series aircraft tugs help to significantly enhance the efficiency of military operations. The Mototok is also designed for towing a wide range of equipment outside of aircraft. It excels at tasks such as towing ground equipment like fuel tankers, maintenance carts, baggage carts, and more. Thanks to its impressive maneuverability and power, the Mototok has become an essential tool for efficiently and instantly moving equipment within the confined spaces of an aircraft carrier or other locations.

Spiral cable for the Remote Control

In certain cases, opting for a cable connection instead of a radio remote control to operate the Mototok can offer distinct advantages. Cable connections provide a more stable and reliable communication link, especially in environments with potential radio frequency interference or electromagnetic disturbances. Additionally, cable connections often offer increased security, as they are less susceptible to unauthorized access or signal interception. They can also provide a higher level of precision and responsiveness, ensuring precise control over the Mototok's movements. Furthermore, cable connections eliminate concerns about signal range limitations that can be associated with radio remote controls. In summary, choosing a cable connection can be beneficial when prioritizing stability, security, precision, and uninterrupted operation.

Get in touch

Please be aware that by providing this information, you consent to receive email or text solicitations from us.