WheelTug is developing a remarkable tool – an electric drive for aircraft which enables an airplane to taxi using small electric motors rather than its main engines.  The benefits are obvious – much lower noise footprint, much lower fuel burn, no FOD engine damage from taxiways.  The list goes on as we detail in a simulation developed for WheelTug.  To give you an idea of how the tool works, here is a presentation from the firm’s CEO.

As part of AirInsight’s work for WheelTug we developed a simulation that enables an airline to evaluate probable operational savings by deploying the devices. The simulation is provided in US$ and €.  Our findings are that, given fuel prices in September 2011, and an assumed fleet of 100 planes, an airline could generate an ROI in the first year of 85% on primary savings and well over 550% when including secondary savings.  In our view, WheelTug’s technology is sound and very compelling for an airline to deploy.

The device is not only being developed, it has been tested already. Take a look here.