Robotic system for ground transport of aircraft
The analysis of airfield towing facilities confirmed the relevance of the work on the development of small-sized robotic towing systems for the transportation of manned and unmanned aircraft. The method of airfield transportation of aircrafts using small-sized robotic towing system allows automation of the towing process. The design of small-sized robotic towing system is proposed. The basic requirements to the construction of the robotized towing system are worked out. The system provides unification, increased reliability and safety, with maximum efficiency despite the small size of the device and the parking space. The robotic towing system allows the operator to visually monitor all parts of the aircraft while it is being towed. Equipping the towing system with machine vision eliminates the possibility of it colliding with an obstacle. The system has increased manoeuvrability and minimizes the docking time with the aircraft. The methods of application of the developed towing system on the hard airfield pavement with special markings, which allows the robotic tugger to make the transportation of the aircraft on the specified sections automatically without the participation of the control operator, is offered. The considered small-sized robotic towing system is capable of efficient ground towing of various types of aircraft with a classic landing gear scheme, including on the airfield pavement with a low coefficient of adhesion.