Aircraft towing tractor manufacturer SCHOPF well prepared for Airbus A380
The worlds largest passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 passed its maiden flight with flying colours. As result of an European-wide master achievement in technical engineering, a new epoch in the carriage of passengers has begun. However, not only in the air, but also on the ground this huge airplane with a take off weight of around 600 metric tons and a wing span of nearly 80 meters places new dimensions on engineering challenges. A central task is to guarantee safe pushback operations in the apron area of this gigantic A380 - which are handled by powerful aircraft towing tractors. As most tractor manufacturers are still testing their first prototypes for the A380, the SCHOPF company has already delivered more than twenty A380-compatible tractors to customers in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
The new model designed for the A380 - the SCHOPF F396P - delivers impressive figures: 450 PS/330 kW Deutz diesel engine, drawbar pull of up to 460 kN with a maximum weight of 70 tons, makes sure that even the largest aircrafts like the A380 will be handled fast and safe. SCHOPFs experience with the worlds heaviest cargo aircrafts (like the 600 tons Antonov 225) has been integrated completely in the development of the new SCHOPF F396P and the new and exciting variable ballasting system. Due to the fact that ground handlers can variably choose between 50 and 70 tons maximum tractor weight - and therefore only operate with full weight in case of real need - the SCHOPF F396P is not only a real time and money saver, but a secure handler for the A380 as well as for all other aircraft types.
Other features of the tractor include elevated or rigid front and rear cabs, with left- or right-hand steering, for a single driver or to accommodate three people; platform for ground power unit; remote operated tow-couplings; and maximum noise level of 80 dBA in the driver's cabin at maximum engine speed. As an innovative option a rotating seat provides drivers with good rear visibility, and allows operations in reverse without the need for the driver to change to the rear driver's position. When the A380 is on final approach, SCHOPF takes care from the beginning that everything works perfect on ground, too.
The new model designed for the A380 - the SCHOPF F396P - delivers impressive figures: 450 PS/330 kW Deutz diesel engine, drawbar pull of up to 460 kN with a maximum weight of 70 tons, makes sure that even the largest aircrafts like the A380 will be handled fast and safe. SCHOPFs experience with the worlds heaviest cargo aircrafts (like the 600 tons Antonov 225) has been integrated completely in the development of the new SCHOPF F396P and the new and exciting variable ballasting system. Due to the fact that ground handlers can variably choose between 50 and 70 tons maximum tractor weight - and therefore only operate with full weight in case of real need - the SCHOPF F396P is not only a real time and money saver, but a secure handler for the A380 as well as for all other aircraft types.
Other features of the tractor include elevated or rigid front and rear cabs, with left- or right-hand steering, for a single driver or to accommodate three people; platform for ground power unit; remote operated tow-couplings; and maximum noise level of 80 dBA in the driver's cabin at maximum engine speed. As an innovative option a rotating seat provides drivers with good rear visibility, and allows operations in reverse without the need for the driver to change to the rear driver's position. When the A380 is on final approach, SCHOPF takes care from the beginning that everything works perfect on ground, too.
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