TOWFLEXX HD190 MILSPEC
Developed for Deployment
Quick Navigation:
The US Air Force was looking for a solution
As with the TF5, the HD190 has its roots in the military. Initially, there was an issue for which there was no solution at the time. In the case of Lockheed’s C-130, there has been no adequate towing solution for fast, simple maneuvering on the ground. A tug with a high dead weight was needed to provide the necessary traction. Due to the vulnerability of the nose wheel, two long loops were attached to the main landing gear, which were joined in front of the nose wheel and then tied to the tug. In short, it was a tedious process with a high level of human resources. Furthermore, during a mission there was ALWAYS a dependency on ground personnel. Also, the design of the aircraft with the nose wheel half retracted in the fuselage is the reason that not every aircraft tug is suitable.
Independent with the HD190 MilSpec
At the time of the request for a towing solution for a C-130, more than 70 TF5 MilSpecs were already in service with the U.S. Air Force. What was initially intended to be a performance upgrade for the TF5 turned out to be a stand-alone product series during the design process. The new product not only made it possible to pick up the C-130 via the nose wheel and transport it to its destination, but the dimensions of the HD190 were tailored to fit on a 463 pallet and therefore could be taken on missions in the cargo hold. Complementing and making things even easier, the HD190 can drive itself into and out of the aircraft via the loading ramp, providing the perfect solution for self-sufficiency in the field.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
1
The Center Strip marks the center of the unit, making it easy to pinpoint the exact location for the user when loading an aircraft.
2
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.
3
Two heavy duty castors allow 360° rotation on the spot.
4
LED headlights at the front and in the operating area provide the right illumination in poor lighting conditions, but can be deactivated via the radio remote control so that night vision devices are not disturbed.
5
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 In order not to interfere with night vision equipment, the white status LED has been replaced by a green one.
6
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.
7
The orange strobe light increases visibility, which is essential in loud environments.
8
Extended grip for safe transport of additional equipment (for example chocks)
9
Special and more durable coating in military gray.
10
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.
11
Emergency stop switches on both sides (and on the remote control) stop the HD190 immediately in emergency situations.
12
The HD190 has a fully automatic nose wheel receptacle that enables the entire capturing process to be handled by the remote control.
13
The automated hold-down bar ensures that the aircraft is held securely on the tug
TESTIMONIALS
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.
Military aircraft currently being moved with the HD190:
- Lockheed C-130
- Boeing KC-135
Hurlburt Field AFB (USAF) – USA
Mildenhall AFB (USAF) – UK
SPECIFICATION & FEATURES OF THE TF5 MILSPEC
Important key facts:
Towing Capcity: 86.000kg / 190.000lbs
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 TF5 MilSpec is designed to prevent 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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1
Joystick for forward and backward movement
2
Joystick for the change of direction
3
Color display for status indication and playback of checklists and instruction videos
4
Load-Limiter
5
Speed mode
6
Control inversion
7
Nosewheel Protection System & Line Assistant Toggle
8
Emergency Stop
9
Light & Horn Toggle
10
Lifting platform up & down
11
optional special features
12
Capturing System Mode Selector
13
Main switch
14
Deadman function toggle
15
Activation of the Nose Wheel Tie Down System
16
Upward movement of the Tie Down Bar
17
Downward movement of the Tie Down Bar
18
Additional menu tab for the integration of auxiliary systems
19
Menu Control
DOWNLOADS
CONTACT
Ulrich (Uli) Nielen
Based in Saint Augustine, Florida, Uli has been part of the TowFLEXX team for several years. Since 2020, he has specialized in military and government sales (Airforce, Coast Guard, Navy, Police Department, etc.) and is the primary contact for the entire United States.
contact for:
military USA
government USA
South America
contact info:
UST – North Florida Regional Airport
4900 US Highway 1 North
Saint Augustin, FL 32086
USA
+1 (904) 770 6183
u.nielen (at) towflexx.com
Phillip (Phill) Humphreys
With many years of sales experience in a senior role, Phill joined the TowFLEXX team in 2019. Since then, he has been in charge of markets worldwide.
contact for:
military
Europe
Asia
Africa
contact info:
Woestendoellen 95-96
49429 Visbek
Germany
+49 152 0186 89 60
ph (at) towflexx.com
