Crane and L-3 to Market GreenTaxi System for Aircraft

Crane Aerospace & Electronics has reached an agreement with L-3 Space and Propulsion Systems, to develop and market the GreenTaxi Electric Taxi System.

The GreenTaxi system moves a commercial aircraft on the ground without using the aircraft’s main engines or ground service equipment, including tugs.

GreenTaxi is designed to provide significant economic and environmental benefits, such as reduced fuel consumption, lower ground operations costs and decreased emissions.

The GreenTaxi technology was demonstrated on 8 December 2011 at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, where more than 100 industry leaders watched as the GreenTaxi system was used to taxi an A320 without the use of main engine power.

The demonstration took place over four days and included more than 20 hours of taxi and maneuver tests. It was conducted by a team led by L-3’s Magnet-Motor division and included Lufthansa German Airlines, Lufthansa Technik and the Frankfurt Airport Operating Authority, Fraport, with additional support by Airbus.

The demonstration showed that the GreenTaxi system operates in varying runway conditions, at up to 30 kilometers per hour, making ground operations simpler, faster and more efficient.

Dave Bender, president of Crane’s Aerospace Group, said, “L-3’s approach to the electric taxi system is innovative and an industry first. By integrating permanent magnet electric wheel drive units onto the aircraft’s main landing gear, the GreenTaxi system provides optimum agility and dependability. Crane is proud to work with L-3 to bring this proven technology to market.”

Michael Wallace, president of L-3’s Space and Propulsion sector, added, “This agreement will combine our expertise in propulsion system solutions and our industry-leading electric motor technology with Crane’s leading market position in landing gear electronic systems and power electronics, as well as its proven capability to support high-volume production programs. Together, we will be able to provide a superior and more environmentally responsible capability than what is currently available in the industry. We are looking forward to providing the aviation marketplace with a solution that will save fuel and reduce carbon emissions during ground operations.”

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