Autonomous aircraft taxiing moves one step closer to reality
Airbus engineers have developed a patented, eco-efficient taxiing system for the best-selling A320 Family – which utilises electrically-driven wheels for reduced fuel consumption during ground operations at airports.
In an effort to reduce fuel consumption, Airbus has developed an eco-efficient alternative that replaces the standard use of jet engine thrust during ground taxiing operations of its best-selling A320 jetliner family with electrical power.
Relying on electrically-driven wheels, this patented solution represents a significant improvement over current airport processes – during which aircraft spend a high proportion of overall flight time on the ground taxiing, with engines running at idle and below optimal conditions.
The Airbus-developed solution is simple: an electric actuator, powered by the aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU), drives the landing gear’s wheels. As the APU runs on kerosene, fuel consumption is expected to be five times less than it would be with engine power – saving as much as 200 kilogrammes of fuel per flight. In addition, this alternative delivers a feature much requested by airlines, providing greater autonomy at push-back from the boarding gate as no tug is required.
“Autonomous taxiing and tug-free push-back are hugely attractive to aircraft operators, giving Airbus a competitive advantage,” said Airbus research and technology engineer Jérémy Bedarrides, who took part in the system’s development. “With the deployment window we have and the patents we hold, we are ready to support Airbus' leadership in innovation.”
Design and implementation for the project, a transversal process involving Airbus’ Engineering and Procurement department, is progressing in two concurrent stages. The demonstration phase is scheduled to close in 2012 with completion of the prototype electric wheel actuator. In parallel, the modified APU and power systems will be tested on the Airbus electrical test bench, with full-scale rolling tests to begin in 2013. If all goes as planned, initial flight tests will take place the following year.
Source: AIRBUS
