METHOD OF AIRCRAFT ROWING Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: aircraft ground servicing. SUBSTANCE: aircraft towing is effected by means of tractor equipped with hydraulic system including hydraulic actuating cylinder for additional loading of drive wheels of tractor by aircraft mass at its front strut. Secured on rear portion of tractor frame by means of hinge is carrier provided with fork-shaped grip at the end; above-mentioned hydraulic actuating cylinder is mounted at the bottom between grip fork and stop; this cylinder is driven by hydraulic pump. Prior to towing the aircraft, its front strut is caught by fork-shaped grip, after which hydraulic pump is set in motion and hydraulic actuating cylinder is controlled in hoisting and lowering the carrier; control of additional loading of drive wheels of tractor by partial mass of aircraft at its front strut is effected only during initial period of motion by means of pressure regulator performing function of safety valve. EFFECT: increased tractive force in tractor clutches; reduced slippage of wheels; possibility of towing heavy aircraft by light tractors; reduced fuel consumption. 2 dwg