The MANTIS aircraft tug is designed specifically for deck and ground handling of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. It provides the capability to maneuver helicopters and aircraft within the confines of a flight deck, shipboard hangar space or a ground apron to support shore-based maintenance activities. Offering fast, precise control from an umbilical-connected operator chest pack, the MANTIS fits wholly within the aircraft footprint to permit high precision, high parking densities and make the best use of valuable hangar space ideal for Navy, Coast Guard or commercial application where space is limited. The operator has full visibility of all points of the aircraft and surrounding area while carrying out the maneuvering operation.
This type of tow tractor interfaces directly with the aircraft, using the unique matrix head, and with no requirement for tow bars or airframe modifications. The low-profile design and resultant under-fuselage clearance allows the handling of a wide range of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in both land-based and marine operations. The MANTIS can operate with aircraft with deflated tires or collapsed oleos, and with nose installed radomes. It has the ability to drive in four directions and spin on the spot around the tow point.
Electrically operated, the MANTIS aircraft tug provides significant continuous operating time with high payload aircraft from a single charge of its purpose-designed batteries. Traction management, regenerative braking and charging are all computer-managed and require no operator intervention. Digital speed ‘ramping’ during acceleration and deceleration operations maintains aircraft loadings within design limits. Careful material selection ensures long life and reliability ideal for GSE, in both land-based and marine embarked environments.