Electric Taxiing System

Description

The Electric Taxiing System (ETS) is a joint venture development between Safran and Honeywell, designed to enable narrow-body commercial aircraft to move on the ground without using their main jet engines. The system integrates high-power electric motors directly into the main landing gear wheels, powered by the aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit. This project emerged from a requirement to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions during the high-frequency ground cycles typical of short-haul aviation, effectively shifting the taxiing burden from turbine engines to the electrical architecture. Targeted primarily at operators of the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, the system is marketed as a retrofit or line-fit option for low-cost carriers and high-utilisation airlines. While several major airlines expressed interest during the development phase and flight testing was conducted on a dedicated Airbus A320 testbed, the commercial rollout faced challenges regarding the added weight versus fuel savings. The technology serves as a precursor to more integrated 'more-electric' aircraft architectures currently being explored by both Safran (Safran Landing Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace. Prospective buyers should note that while the technology is proven, the commercial viability depends heavily on the specific turnaround times and taxi distances of the operator's hub. The Aerospace Garage desk would verify the current certification status of the production-standard hardware and the total weight penalty added to the landing gear assembly. Verification of the maintenance interval requirements for the motor-clutch assembly is also required, as this adds mechanical complexity to a high-stress airframe component.