LEKTRO, Inc. releases new electric towbarless tug designed for VLJs
At the Aviation Subcommittee hearing on new entrants into the national airspace system on Thursday, September 28, 2006 Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska had this to say, “The very light jets, which I have called the mosquito fleet without trying to be derogatory, will soon be part of daily air travel in our nation. Just as regional jets have vastly increased the number of planes in our national airspace, this new fleet has the potential to add even greater numbers to it.” Companies like Eclipse Aviation, Cessna and Adam Aircraft Industries will be the first to launch their versions of the VLJs to be available in 2006.
Stephen Sipe, LEKTRO director of sales and marketing, said, “LEKTRO, Inc has been pioneering innovative battery-driven vehicles since 1945 and built the world's first towbarless ground support vehicle in 1967. Continuing our history of product innovation and leading edge technology, we are pleased to announce our new LEKTRO Model AP8350 designed specifically for the VLJ market. The new VLJ model is being introduced at this year’s NBAA convention and orders will be taken for delivery in the first quarter of 2007.”
The AP8350 maintains LEKTRO’s high standards of quality and reliability, being built with state-of-the-art components. This includes an AC control system, Dana drive axle with integrated 36v AC drive motor and comes standard with 220 amp hour drive battery. An on-board GPU system is optional as well as built-in ladder, traction drive tires and custom paint.
This new model tug has a towing capacity up to 10,000, ideal for VLJs which the NBAA defines as single-pilot jets that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. VLJs generally have two engines, five or six passenger seats, automated cockpits and cost half as much as the most inexpensive business jet now in service. The Model AP8350 is designed for individual aircraft owners versus our larger LEKTROs which are manufactured for heavy-duty FBO, regional airline or military use.