The main purpose of this test was to determine the application advantages of cushion tow hitches in comparison to the commonly used rigid tow hitch type fitted on heavy aircraft towing tractors. As diverse opinions emerged about its suitability since the introduction on the market of this new tow hitch type, it was intended to physically measure and evaluate the damping capability of this cushioned tow link when applied in practice.
The scope of this recommended practice limits itself to the seven different services mentioned in 1.2. It has focused on these aircraft services because:
The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) is to standardize locations of aircraft ground service connections to accommodate the trend toward fixed systems, which use the passenger loading bridge as a vehicle for a source of utilities. It must be recognized that, in standardizing the locations of the aircraft service connections, they must continue to be served efficiently in those instances where mobile ground support equipment is used. There is an ever increasing number of fixed installations for aircraft servicing. The objectives to be met by standardizing the locations of the aircraft service connections are the following:
This specification prescribes general requirements for marking of aircraft ground support equipment and other vehicles (i.e., runway sweepers, firetrucks, refulers, etc.), used on or near the flight line area with retro-reflective materials.
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) applies to Point-Of-Use, Central and Mobile Pre-Conditioned Air Equipment. It does not apply to aircraft mounted equipment.
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is intended to cover all airport 50 or 60 Hz electrical systems as well as all electrical utilization equipment that is attached to those systems.
This SAE Recommended Practice which defines the terms and tabulates the limits of the characteristics for various protective devices used in conjunction with 400-cycle ground power for civil aircraft is intended to assist the airlines in standardizing on 400-cycle protective systems. The limits found to be acceptable in the civil aircraft industry are presented.
The purpose of this specification is to provide airplane operators and tow vehicle manufacturers with: a General design and operating requirements pertinent to test and evaluation of towbarless tow vehicles. Specific design requirements are provided in ARP4852A and ARP4853A. b Test and evaluation requirements. The results of these test evaluations will determine if the loads induced by the tow vehicle will exceed the design loads of the nose gear, reduce the certified safe life limit of the nose gear, or induce a stability problem during pushback and/or maintenance towing operations. This document specifies general test requirements and a test evaluation procedure for towbarless tow vehicles (TLTV) intended for pushback and maintenance towing only. It is not meant for dispatch (operational) towing (see definitions in Section 3). Dispatch towing imposes greater loads on nose gears and structure due to additional passenger, cargo, and fuel loads.