TOWFLEXX TF6
The most compact solution in its class
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HD190 becomes TF6
The TowFLEXX HD190 becomes the TowFLEXX TF6. Originally developed as a special configuration of the TF5 under the name “TF5 HD190”, the model was initially intended as a more powerful upgrade for military requirements. In the course of development, however, it quickly became apparent that it was an independent product with completely new possibilities. In order to do justice to this further development and to create a clear, uniform structure within the TowFLEXX portfolio, the model is now called TF6. The new name not only underlines the independence of the product, but also strengthens its recognizability within the TowFLEXX family.
The US Air Force was looking for a solution
The TF6 – originally known as the HD190 – was created, like the TF5, out of a specific need in the military environment. The starting point was a problem for which there was no suitable solution at the time: the quick and uncomplicated maneuvering of the Lockheed C-130 on the ground. For this challenge, a tractor with a high dead weight was needed to ensure sufficient traction. Due to the sensitive construction of the nose landing gear, two long slings were attached to the main landing gear, brought together in front of the nose wheel and then fixed to the tug. This procedure was not only time-consuming, but also required considerable manpower. In addition, they were always dependent on ground staff in the event of an emergency. To make matters worse, the nose wheel of the C-130, which is half embedded in the fuselage, makes many conventional tugs unsuitable from the outset.
Self-sufficient with the TF6
At the time of the request for a suitable towing solution for the Lockheed C-130, more than 70 units of the TF5 MilSpec were already in service with the US Air Force. What was initially planned as a performance upgrade to the TF5 developed into an independent product series in the course of the design phase: the HD190 – now known as TF6. The new development made it possible for the first time to pick up the C-130 directly via the nose wheel and move it safely to its destination. The dimensions of the HD190 were specifically adapted so that it fits on a standardised 463L pallet and can therefore be easily transported in the cargo hold of the C-130.
Another decisive advantage is that the TF6 can drive in and out of the aircraft independently via the loading ramp – a capability that enables maximum self-sufficiency in the field and significantly reduces the logistical effort.
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The Center Strip marks the center of the unit, making it easy to pinpoint the exact location for the user when loading an aircraft.
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The front storage compartment provides space for accessories (such as the radio remote control), which are stored in a robust tactical case. Additionally, this is the access for the integrated battery charger and interfaces for programming.
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Two heavy duty castors allow 360° rotation on the spot.
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LED headlights at the front and in the work area provide the right illumination in low light conditions, but can be deactivated via the radio remote control.
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LED position lights indicate where the TF5 is moving. In order not to interfere with night vision equipment, the white status LED has been replaced by a green one.
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eCube, the central control unit where all control elements and computers come together. In the event of a malfunction or in the course of a modernization, it can be replaced with a new eCube within a few minutes, avoiding costly downtimes.
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The orange strobe light increases visibility, which is essential in loud environments.
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Extended grip for safe transport of additional equipment (for example chocks)
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Special and more durable coating in military gray.
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Four solid rubber tires for maximum safety and traction and even in the rain and snow. For heavy snow, surface protecting snow socks can be pulled over the tires for even better traction.
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Emergency stop switches on both sides (and on the remote control) stop the HD190 immediately in emergency situations.
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The TF6 has a fully automatic nose wheel mount, which enables the complete charging process via the radio remote control.
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The automated hold-down bar ensures that the aircraft is held securely on the tug
TESTIMONIALS
The competitor has always been very user-friendly and easy to use, and we have always been happy with it. When we were looking for a second tow tractor to operate, we came across the TowFLEXX range and tested the TF6 (previously HD190). After testing the TF6 , we found that it was an extremely good and easy-to-use tug.
Since we perform a lot of tight manoeuvres, the TowFLEXX is particularly comfortable to control – you can really move the aircraft centimetre by centimetre if necessary. In the meantime, the TowFLEXX has become our preferred tow tractor for such applications, as it is much smoother and more precise to operate compared to the [Mitbewerber] TowFLEXX.
The simplicity of both the TowFLEXX tow tractor and the remote control is outstanding. We have quite a wide age range in the team that uses the tractor and everyone got to grips with it very quickly. We particularly like the display on the remote control, as you can see exactly in which step the tractor is when lifting or lowering it and what the battery level is. In addition, we have activated both audible and visual warnings, so that the operator recognizes when an operation is completed by a double beep and flashing of the lights.
TowFLEXX’s after-sales service and support are absolutely outstanding and give a lot of peace of mind. We had a few minor starting problems with our tractor at the beginning, but if these could not be fixed remotely, someone came by immediately and solved the problem quickly – much faster than we experienced with the support at .[Mitbewerber]
Since we have been working with different tractors for some time now and currently have two remote-controlled models in use, TowFLEXX is clearly the first choice for me. From my point of view, it is much smoother, more responsive and – at least in our case – also more reliable.
With the TowFLEXX units, we have taken monumental steps toward a green environmental initiative, virtually eliminating the risk of injury to personnel, reducing potential aircraft accidents, reducing tow team personnel, lowering operating costs, and increasing operational productivity. It’s simple, Towflexx works when you need it, in any environment!
Each TowFLEXX saves approximately 2,790 man hours annually!
VIDEOS
Moving Pictures
Whenever we can, we take pictures of our equipment in the military environment. However, depending on the location or aircraft, we are often bound by local safety regulations and may only use the recorded material after official approval. Some pictures and videos are still being examined by the responsible authorities, others are exclusively released for internal use, while other material remains under seal, since special technical systems or attachments are to be seen.
Aircraft currently operated with the TF6:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320
- Gulfstream IV (Special Mission)
- Lockheed C-130
- Boeing KC-135
TowFLEXX TF6 with Boeing 737-800 (TUI)
Hurlburt Field AFB (USAF) – USA
Mildenhall AFB (USAF) – UK
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & EQUIPMENT OF THE TF6
Important key facts:
Towing capacity: 90,000kg / 198,000lbs
Towing Capcity: 14.000kg / 30.000lbs
Dims (mm): 2700 x 2050 x 500
Dims (inch): 106,3″ x 80,7″ x 19,68″
Weight: 2.000kg / 4.189lbs
Battery Power: 48VDC
Battery Life: approx. 8km / 5mi. (1,6km / 1mi. under full capacity)
Standard Configuration
- Automatic Nose Wheel Capturing
- Automatic Nose Wheel Tie-Down Mechanism
- 20.000W Drive Motors
- intelligent CAN-bus controls
- advanced wireless remote control
- intelligent built-in battery charger
- LED headlights (front & rear)
- anti-slip material on the unit
- Chainguards on both sides
- amber strobe light beacon
- tactical equipment case
- center strip
- free product training
eCube – the central control unit
The TF6 is designed to avoid costly downtime. In the process, a central control unit was designed in which all electronic components and computers come together. In other words, this “eCube” not only protects the components inside, but can also be exchanged and replaced with a new cube within minutes in the event of a malfunction.
This technology allows the modernization of older units as well! This means that new revisions usually feature technical innovations that were not yet installed in previous models (for example, the line assistant or the NPS system). Simply summarized: by installing a new eCube, an existing unit can be revamped to incorporate new features and expand its capabilities.
In addition, the eCube contains the battery charger for the tug, the battery charger for a spare remote control battery, a data logger that can help with troubleshooting, a display that shows the operating hours and error codes, the central key switch to start up the unit and other interfaces for programming, etc.
