Airline Tow Tractor-Baggage/Cargo Factors for Design Consideration

Various factors considered in the evaluation of towing requirements of airline baggage/cargo tow tractors are described. The design factors include characteristics of the towed load, the airport's environment, and general characteristics and requirements of the tow vehicle.

In discussing design data, mathematical formulas are presented for the calculation of tractive effort, drawbar pull, gross vehicle weight, engine torque, engine brake horsepower, and braking capacity. An example of determing specifications for a tractor under particular service conditions is also included.