First Aircraft To Be Towed Will Be The Boeing 737NG

Resource Group, a leading developer of high integrity software, has joined with WheelTug plc in the development of the WheelTug integrated aircraft electric drive system.

Resource Engineering Projects (REP), the engineering division of Resource Group, will develop, test, verify and certify the software for the WheelTug system for the Boeing 737NG Aircraft. As part of the risk-sharing agreement, REP are becoming a significant shareholder in WheelTug plc. "This is a very exciting project for Resource Group to be involved with as it is an innovative technology and cutting edge system within the industry," said John Larkin, Managing Director of Resource Group. "The WheelTug system has great potential for both civil and military applications and we look forward to working closely with WheelTug and the other partners within the development team."

"Resource have decades of experience designing and developing software to meet DO-178B guidelines, and their superb track record with mission-critical systems speaks for itself," said WheelTug CEO Isaiah Cox.

The patented and proprietary WheelTug electric drive system uses high-performance electric motors, installed in the nose landing gear wheels of an aircraft, to provide full mobility while on the ground without the use of the aircraft's jet engines or tugs for both pushback and taxi operations. WheelTug enables aircraft to be electrically driven from the terminal gate to the takeoff runway, and upon landing from runway exit to the gate. The resulting improvements in efficiency, flexibility, fuel savings, and reduced noise and engine foreign object damage (FOD) yield projected savings of more than $500,000 per aircraft per year, plus substantial reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.

The WheelTug system is being developed initially for the Boeing 737NG, one of the world's most widely-flown aircraft; systems for other commercial and military aircraft will follow.

FMI: www.wheeltug.com