A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Don’t think of it as an aircraft tug, but as a facility expander and manpower saver: that’s the message at MEBAA 2018 from towbarless-tug maker Lektro (Booth 405), which introduced the towbarless aircraft tow vehicle in 1967.

 


Lektro’s line of electrically powered, emission-free tugs can move aircraft from piston singles to the largest VIP airliners, and due to their ease of operation and maneuverability, can reduce manpower needs, increase hangar capacity, and decrease the potential for aircraft damage, according to the U.S.-based company. The patented Universal Nose Gear Lift Cradle on the tugs adapts to nearly every aircraft,&nbsp;makes hook-up a simple, one-person job,&nbsp;and reduces stress on nose gear during towing operations.

 


Lektro’s 10 corporate aircraft models range from the 15,000-pound towing capacity AP8360, which can handle light jets and lighter aircraft (starting at $19,258), to the 45&nbsp;hp AP8850SDA-EX (starting price $76,222), whose 120,000-pound towing limit can handle the largest ultra-long-range business jets. Lektro offers a number of options for the tugs, so they can be outfitted for the variety of needs of a busy FBO, or delivered stripped down for the simple demands of a corporate flight department. Known for rugged construction, some 5,000 Lektros are in operation worldwide, according to the family-owned company.

Lektro Touts Towbarless Tugs

Electric-powered, emission-less tow vehicles can reduce manpower needs and maximize use of hangar space.

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