HD190 MilSpec

TOWFLEXX HD190 MILSPEC

Developed for Deployment

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.

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TowFLEXX HD190 Front- und Rückansicht
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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 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.

LED Headlights

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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.

TF5 eCube

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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 HD190 has a fully automatic nose wheel receptacle that enables the entire capturing process to be handled by the remote control.

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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

Rammstein AFB (USAF) – GER

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.

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Joystick for forward and backward movement

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Joystick for the change of direction

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Color display for status indication and playback of checklists and instruction videos

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Load-Limiter

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Speed mode

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Control inversion

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Nosewheel Protection System & Line Assistant Toggle

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Emergency Stop

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Light & Horn Toggle

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Lifting platform up & down

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optional special features

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Capturing System Mode Selector

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Main switch

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Deadman function toggle

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Activation of the Nose Wheel Tie Down System

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Upward movement of the Tie Down Bar

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Downward movement of the Tie Down Bar

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Additional menu tab for the integration of auxiliary systems

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Menu Control

DOWNLOADS

CONTACT

Ulrich "Uli" Nielen

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:

c/o Atlantic Aviation

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

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