Electric tugs for aerospace
Move engines and aircraft with one operator.
From light aircraft moved between hangar and apron to jet engine modules on their stands across the MRO bay, Tractive Power electric tugs give one operator control of high-value aerospace loads. UK-manufactured and engineered per application.
12t → 300t
From 8,000 kg on castors with the TP500 to 300,000 kg on rails with the TP3000.
Across the TP range
1 person
Pedestrian operator to move an aircraft or cradled assembly.
Regardless of load
5 machines
From the TP500 through the Extra Heavy range to the TBC30 burden carrier.
TP500 to TBC30
Every aircraft move is a high-value risk.
Aerospace handling doesn't tolerate improvisation. A light aircraft nosed out onto a wet apron. An engine module repositioned across an MRO bay. A cradled engine moved from the workshop to test.
Each of these is a specific, deliberate operation that should be under one person's full control, and each is where time is lost, damage happens and operators get hurt when it is improvised with the wrong equipment.
Why traditional handling doesn’t fit
Overhead cranes are precise but slow, need multiple certified operators, and can’t reposition an aircraft the length of a hangar. Forklifts are fast but have no place near aerospace assemblies.
Manual pushing is common, and it’s where control is lost: multiple operators, uneven force and no controlled stopping.
Where Tractive Power fits
Pedestrian electric tugs give one operator direct control of an aircraft or assembly at walking pace.
Where the load exceeds a standard tug, the Extra Heavy range handles up to 300 tonnes on rails with a single machine.
Where our machines work in aerospace
From apron to assembly line.
Light aircraft
Light aircraft moved between hangar and apron by one operator.
Engine modules
Jet engine modules moved across MRO bays on their stands.
Engines on cradles
Cradled engines moved between the workshop and test areas.
Parts stillages
Component stillages moved to the line by one operator.
Applications
Aerospace: what our tugs move
Recommended for aerospace
Machines across the aerospace load range.
Not sure which machine you need? Start from your load.
Aerospace couplings
The right interface for the aircraft or the assembly.
Aerospace loads rarely fit standard couplings, so we engineer the interface around your aircraft type, cradle design or assembly.
Adjustable pushpad
Straight-line pushing of railed assemblies.
Roll cage coupling
Up to 250 nested cages, pushed as one
5th wheel channel
Fits customer-supplied engineered cradles.
Quick latch
Standardised across your trolleys
Paper roll
Drums, reels and paper rolls
None of these fit? We design the coupling around your load. Assembly-specific interfaces designed to your drawing.
Built for aerospace handling
Controlled, single-operator handling.
Single-operator control
One pedestrian operator per move. No hand signals and no coordinated multi-person handling.
Battery powered
No fumes and quiet running indoors. A full recharge takes 8 hours, so it charges overnight.
Backed by a UK service team
Built in the UK, with a 2-year warranty and a UK service team for servicing and repairs.
Aerospace handling FAQs
The questions aerospace operators ask us.
What's the heaviest load you can move with a single machine?
The TP500 moves up to 8,000 kg on castors and 40,000 kg on rails. For heavier loads on rails, the TP1000 handles up to 100,000 kg and the TP3000 up to 300,000 kg.
Can you engineer a coupling for our aircraft type?
Yes. Our design team makes interfaces in-house around your aircraft type, cradle design or assembly.
Are your machines suitable for outdoor apron use?
Tell us about your surfaces, slopes and weather and we will confirm the right machine and drive wheels for the job.
Can you look at our site first?
Yes. We visit, walk the routes and look at your loads before recommending a machine and coupling.
Will a Tractive Power tug move your load?
Tell us what you’re moving, how heavy it gets and what it runs on. We’ll tell you which tug and coupling will do the job.
Rather talk it through? Call 01538 360372.
