THE »ATLAS« 2 MAKES IT DEBUT AT THE GSE EXPO IN LAS VEGAS REVOLUTIONARY WORLD FIRST

Eagerly awaited and now presented to the public for the first time: Goldhofer has unveiled the all-electric »ATLAS« 2 pushback tractor. The world premiere took place at 12 noon local time on September 16 in the framework of a live presentation made by Martin Rieser, Director of R&D. At booth P408, numerous industry visitors saw the debut of the new vehicle, which Goldhofer describes as a milestone for the future of gate operations.

The »ATLAS« 2 was developed specifically for use at the gate and sets new standards in terms of safety, efficiency and future viability. It is an all-electric towbarless pushback tractor based on the tried-and-tested »PHOENIX« platform, but with specific further developments to meet the requirements of modern gate operations. “With the »ATLAS« 2 we have created a zero-emission vehicle that greatly simplifies procedures at the gate and makes them safer,” said Martin Rieser during the presentation. “Our customers stand to gain from a system that is compatible with almost all of today’s usual types of aircraft – from the ERJ 170 to the B777-300ER – while at the same time replacing several conventional vehicles.”

The absence of a tow bar offers significant advantages over conventional pushback tractors, including the avoidance of typical problems such as shear pin failure. This significantly reduces the risk of aircraft damage and downtime with substantial follow-up costs.

In addition to its versatility, the »ATLAS« 2 comes with a sophisticated safety architecture. Goldhofer has equipped the vehicle with numerous intelligent functions that serve to protect both personnel and the aircraft. A key feature is the guided pick-up process for the nose landing gear. The »ATLAS« 2 provides active support for correct pick-up and verifies the aircraft type. It also regulates the permissible braking and towing forces in accordance with the type of aircraft being handled. This reduces the load on the nose gear and ensures gentle handling. The safety concept also includes a single-lever emergency switch-off and an automatic lock to prevent accidental movement. Plus, 360° all-round vision ensures a significantly better overview when maneuvering. That means increased safety and comfort for the driver – especially in comparison to significantly larger conventional tow tractors. “For us, safety is not an optional extra; it is an integral part of the vehicle’s DNA,” says Luca Köhler, Product Management Airport Technology. “The »ATLAS« 2 supports users with a simple guided operating concept for active protection against operator errors.”

Stavros Hatziioannou, Vice President of Sales Airport Technology, stresses the advantages for the global market: “The »ATLAS« 2 is the answer to today’s growing demands for greater efficiency and sustainability in gate operations. Its compact design, high maneuverability and ease of operation make it the ideal solution for airports seeking to future-proof their processes.”

Another key aspect is the modular vehicle architecture. The »ATLAS« 2 features a standard basic vehicle with identical drive, battery system and pick-up. Depending on customer requirements and the operational profile involved, the vehicle can be flexibly configured – from multiple cab variants to a remote control solution. This intelligent modular design makes the »ATLAS« 2 fit for the future, with easy adaptation to new technologies and operating scenarios. “We have developed a system that grows with the requirements—whether in single-gate operation or in complex multi-gate scenarios,” says Martin Rieser.

But it is not only the »ATLAS« 2 that is attracting attention at this year’s GSE Expo. Goldhofer is also presenting other GSE solutions – including, for the first time, the »SHERPA« D, which is now being manufactured in the USA. This proven workhorse opens a new chapter; it combines its well known performance with local production, and so meets the requirements of future ramp operations.

With the launch of the brand-new »ATLAS« 2 in particular, Goldhofer is once again underlining its role as an innovation leader in the field of sustainable and safe ground support equipment solutions. The response at the International GSE Expo was correspondingly positive.