Aversan, an engineering firm based in Mississauga, Canada, is building the control interface for the WheelTug no-engines-required, self-propelled aircraft taxiing system. Using electric motors that are attached to the nosewheels, WheelTug allows aircraft to taxi forward and backwards, while being steered from the cockpit, without requiring the use of the aircraft engines for propulsion.

Aversan is devising the turnkey Cockpit Controller, which pilots will use to control the WheelTug system from the flight deck. WheelTug selected Aversan to fulfill this role for the latter’s experience in developing safety-critical systems compliant with DO178/DO254 standards.

An engineless taxiing system reduces the costs associated with fuel consumption, engine operation and brake wear. It also provides passengers with a less frustrating experience by reducing time spent on the ground, because WheelTug-equipped jets don’t have to wait for exterior assistance to move away from the jetway.

“This partnership highlights our ability to design high-reliability, safety-critical embedded systems for WheelTug’s ultimate success,” said Scott Moses, Aversan’s director of engineering.

WheelTug estimates that its taxiing solution will allow airlines to reduce up to 20 minutes per flight cycle; both by eliminating taxiing delays and allowing aircraft to be moved into positions parallel to terminals. Parking this way would allow boarding and deplaning from an airplane’s front and rear doors, rather than just the front door as is the case now using conventional sky bridges. According to WheelTug’s data, a 20-minute saving works out to $2,000 per cycle, or more than $3 million saved per year per aircraft.