Local Support, Total Commitment

HIGHLIGHTS
2013-2014
Local Support, Total Commitment
Leader in Ground
Support Equipment
TLD is a Group totally
dedicated to the design,
assembly, distribution and
after-sales support of aviation
Ground Support Equipment
(GSE), with a history of
60 years in the industry.
7 factorries
in 4 counttriees
1,,000 employyees
Ove
er 100 R&D
D engineeers and
10 MUSD spent onn R&
&D each year
TLD manufactures and distributtes
worlldwide, throu
ugh its glob
bal sales and
servvice netwo
ork, a compleete raange of GSE
eq
quipmeent, designed by its R&D teams
and asssem
mbled in its seeven facilitiees located
d
in No
orth America, Asia and Europe.
TLD strong
glyy invests in product innovation
witth a focus on energetic efficiency, green
techno
ologies, and optimization of equipment total cost of ownership.
TLLD is highly comm
mitted to bringiing
to itts customers in the field, beyond and
afterr the equipment saale, the high
hestt leevel
of support through its extensive network
of technical and parts centers around
the world.
Over 100
0 employees dediccated to
after sale
e sup
pport through sparee parts
and field tech
hniccal service
Group
p sp
pare parts inventoryy
of 32 MUSSD
More than 2 500 mo
otorized units
de
elivere
ed in 2013
440
Revenues
400
280
300
Alvest Group
in MUSD
330
513 customers inn 127 coountries
(in 2012 and 2013)
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
33 sales and service offices
in 20 countries
Moscow
London
Sorigny
Frankfurt
Paris
Montlouis-S./Loire
St.-Lin
Budapest
Seattle
Sherbrooke
Windsor
New York
Louisville
Salinas
Phoenix
Los Angeles
Mexico
city
Dallas
Seguin
Philadelphia
Dubai
Charleston
Orlando
Miami
Bogota
Johannesburg
Beijing
Seoul
São Paulo
Tokyo
Wuxi
Guangzhou
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Taipei
Manila
Bangkok
Sales and service office
Manufacturing facility
Singapore
2013-2014
TLD HIGHLIGHTS
TaxiBot to enter service in 2014
Airplanes burn a lot of jet fuel using engines while
taxiing between terminals and runways, adding
to polluting emissions and costing airlines money
in fuel and maintenance. Airlines are projected
to spend almost $7 billion on fuel just for taxiing
in 2020. Then add in foreign object damages on
the ground, push back operations and projected
carbon emission taxes and the total cost may
approach $8.7 billion… Just for taxiing operations!
The main goal of TaxiBot is to
significantly reduce fuel burn. With
TaxiBot in operation in all busy airports,
this $8.7 billion expense would drop
to $2.9 billion, generating a $5.8 billion
annual savings plus cutting CO2
emissions by 20 million tons.
TaxiBot is a tractor that tows the aircraft with its
jet engine off from the gate to the runway. After
a normal push back of the aircraft controlled by
the tractor driver, the command is transferred to
the aircraft pilot, who, with an innovative “Pilot-inControl” concept, manoeuvers the tractor from
the cockpit through a transparent system with
the aircraft’s normal steering and braking control
devices. After disconnection of the TaxiBot, the
tractor driver returns back to the gate.
Powered by two hybrid diesel-electric engines,
TaxiBot reduces the amount of fuel used in
taxi operations by 85 per cent. For example,
the average taxiing-time in Frankfurt is 10 to
12 minutes. The net saving generated by using
TaxiBot to tow a Boeing 737 to a disconnecting
point close to the runway is 35 gallons of jet fuel,
which cost more than $100 at today’s prices. For
an Airbus A380 superjumbo jet on a 10-minute
taxi, TaxiBot will cut 95% of the fuel burn,
generating a net saving for each departure of
130 gallons of jet fuel costing nearly $400.
Totally in line with TLD’s Green philosophy,
TaxiBot is the perfect combination of the
ecological and economic interests of its users.
TaxiBot solves the two main problems
encountered in dispatch towing applications:
• The liability issue of the pilot versus driver liability
during taxiing; this is a key requirement of the
application because once passengers are onboard,
the pilot is fully responsible for the aircraft.
• Nose landing gear fatigue; in addition to ensuring
that the system is under pilot control, there is also
a major concern about the stress applied during
traction and braking, not only to the nose landing
gear but also to the front fuselage.
The Taxibot is designed so that the aircraft’s nose
wheel connects to a rotary turret on the tractor.
This interface allows the pilot to control the
aircraft using the cockpit steering systems just as
he would if the aircraft was moving with its own
engine power. Sophisticated sensors combined
with velocity control algorithms and GPS enable
the pilot to maneuver the aircraft easily. Thanks to
Taxibot’s rotating turret and force control system,
very low loads are applied to the nose landing
gear. Braking is achieved by the aircraft itself with
all kinetic energy being absorbed by the airplane
braking system, and not by the tractor, which
simply adjusts its speed.
The two models of Taxibot - one for single-aisle
aircraft under final certification tests, and one for
wide-bodies - are suitable for all Airbus and
Boeing aircraft with no or very minor modification.
A major advantage is that TaxiBot, being a
completely separate vehicle, does not bring extra
weight to the airplane and no reduction in the
cargo bay space. There are no motors or equipment
to install on-board that add weight and increase
fuel burn during flights. In terms of speed, TaxiBot is
able to tow an aircraft at maximum take-off weight
at 23 knots, equal to the normal taxiing speed.
Taxibot have been granted the Award of the
Innovation of the Year 2013 by the France
Ministry of Industry.
Lufthansa Technik’s subsidiary LEOS has been
testing the Narrow Body TaxiBot since June 2013
at Frankfurt International Airport at night.
All No Technical Objection (NTO) tests and the
certification tests on the B-737 and A-320 have
Powered by two hybrid diesel-electric
engines, TaxiBot reduces the amount of fuel
used in taxi operations by 85 per cent.
In order to produce these TaxiBots, TLD is building
a new factory near its present aircraft tractor factory
in France. This construction consists of a large workshop of
6,000 square meters including shot blast and paint booths,
a 1,000 square meter office space and a dedicated track for
testing of the tractors. The building is designed to allow
for future extension. The production of TaxiBot will to start
next summer in this state-of-the-art factory, the 7th factory
in TLD’s global manufacturing network.
TLD Aircraft Safe Docking System helps
you make your ground ops safer
Aircraft strike prevention has always been a critical item, and the arrival of the
new composite aircraft is making this objective even more critical, as impacts on
the fuselage currently detected during the aircraft check may not be evidenced
any longer through a visual check. For this reason, prevention, detection and
reporting of impacts during ground handling operations become more
important, and significantly impacts the safety responsibility of the handling
company in term of aircraft interface.
Increasing safety of ramp operations
is a much broader challenge than
it appears. As part of its innovative
culture, TLD has decided to develop
a new solution, bringing GSE
to a higher level of safety during
operations, with the ASD (Aircraft
Safe Docking System).
been performed. The final certification on these
aircraft is expected in 2014.
LEOS, which has also been involved in early field
tests of the concept, is looking at launching actual
airline operations with Taxibot in 2014, initially
with three tractors.
Luthansa Pilots reports were very positive during
their first runs with the Taxibot in Frankfurt Pilot Rupert Mayer wrote: “TaxiBot will definitely
save energy and our environment in the future.
Regarding these aspects, it is important to
continue the development. “Hats off to the team,
this is a lot of high performance “brainstorming”
and engineering knowledge!”
The Wide Body TaxiBot prototype dedicated for
wide body aircraft, including the A380, is nearing
its completion in March 2014. This machine is
the most powerful piece of equipment ever built
for a GSE application with more than 1500hp
and it will tow a fully loaded A380 (560 tons)
up to 20 knots!
The architecture of the Wide Body tractor is
similar to the Narrow Body with a full redundancy
on major functionalities (2 engine packs, 6 wheels
modules, secured software system, etc...), and a
big cradle system designed to sustain the weight
and the forces induced by jumbo Aircraft. With
a 13m length, 4.5m width and 50 ton weight,
the Wide Body TaxiBot is a unique machine.
As this safety challenge concerns
the aircraft docking of any GSE,
TLD has developed a solution
adapted to belt loaders, passenger
steps and loaders. The goal of the
system is to prevent damage by
GSE to the aircraft, and moreover
to ensure that no aircraft should
depart with unreported impact.
The TLD ASD is a simple, reliable
and easy to maintain solution.
An important objective of our R&D
has been to develop a solution
retrofittable on most existing
equipment, from any manufacturer,
as this safety improvement, once
implemented, will most preferably
need to be installed on the whole
fleet of equivalent equipment. As a
matter of fact, it would be dangerous
for an operator already accustomed
to this safety system, to be suddenly
deprived of it when using the
equipment from another brand.
equipment is now in safe mode.
In this area, the GSE speed is
limited to 5km/h, and the proximity
sensor, associated to a sensitive
bumper, are activated. The sensor
is a 3D camera able to detect any
obstacle in front of the GSE up to
7 meters (fuselage, engines, other
GSE, other operators…). A buzzer
warns the driver if he gets too close
to the speed limit and in case
of slow or no reaction from him,
the system will automatically stop
the equipment.
In the final phase of the docking,
or approaching closer than few
meters from an obstacle (mainly
the fuselage), the ASD system
automatically limits the speed of the
vehicle to 0.7 km/h. At that speed,
even in case of contact, the GSE’s
kinetic energy can hardly cause any
significant damage to the aircraft.
In case an impact with the aircraft
occurs (or in case the operator does
not activate the ASD system for
instance) the impact strength will
be measured and the GSE will be
stopped until the responsible
manager un-locks the vehicle after
fuselage inspection. This procedure
is comparable to the one existing
on towbarless tractors in case of
reported overtorque events.
How does the ASD work?
The ASD system prevents the
equipment from approaching
the aircraft too fast, thus avoiding
a potential contact resulting in
damage to the fuselage. With this
view, we have defined 3 different
areas in the airport for equipment
speed control.
In the ramp area, the GSE can be
driven without any speed limitation
(up to 25km/h) and without
specific supervision.
As the driver approaches the
aircraft, he enters the safety area.
The operator reduces his speed and
presses the ASD button to activate
the system. Immediately, a
dedicated flashing beacon alerts
the management and the other
operators on the ramp that the
Why is the ASD system
safe?
ASD is not only a system, it is a
combination between an operational
process (systematic and easy to
enforce and to control) and an
electronic control supervising the
speed of the GSE according to the
area of operations.
The process is based on the fact
that the driver is still in charge and
responsible. So the ASD is initially
not taking the lead on the driver
but supervises his behavior. This
supervision ensures that the driver
operates in a safe manner, avoiding
potential accidents with severe
consequences. Within the aircraft
area, the ASD is assisting the driver,
and only acts on the equipment
speed if the operator does not
respond properly in time.
Being in charge and not relying on
a fully automated system, the driver
is much less exposed to possible
system or equipment technological
failure or adverse conditions. He
must still ensure that he operates
in a safe way,
This concept is also allowing us to
design a system with a reasonable
level of complexity. There is no
100% foolproof system and overly
complex systems are difficult to
maintain. If the driver totally relies
on the system, technical failures
can have disastrous consequences.
What makes the ASD
unique to other systems?
The concept is simple, systematic
and still largely relies on the
operator supervised by the system,
and not the other way around.
In case of system failure (harsh
meteorological conditions,
electronic failure, etc…) the GSE
remains just as safe as today.
The ASD is based on a single 3D
camera instead of multiple sensors
or radars. We believe that a solution
based on a single sensor is a key
advantage over solutions based on
multiple radars. First, those radars
are more sensitive than a camera to
interference due to meteorological
conditions. Second, when a large
number of radars is deployed, the
potential of technical failure is
increased, and it is difficult to make
the difference between a radar not
detecting any obstacle and a radar
not functioning. This creates a
significant risk as operators may
rely on a non-functioning system.
The 3D Camera requires very limited
cabling, thus allowing an easy
equipment retrofit, and maintains
its own correct performance (the
camera monitors itself every
150 millisecond that it is functioning
properly). In case of malfunctioning
or extreme operations conditions,
the camera detects the problem and
The TLD loaders range continues to expand with
the 7.5 ton Extended Loader TXL-838-STD-XL
automatically defaults to the safest
operation mode (eg. low speed).
The other critical ASD sensor is the
Incident black box, measuring all
excessive decelerations and logging
the event, including the complete
conditions of the unit (speed,
gearbox status, brakes pedal status
etc…) before, during and after the
event. All data is then accessible by
the management through a very
simple, user friendly graphic
interface. The existence of this black
box will definitively induce a higher
level of operator accountability.
Lastly, the system is retrofitable on
most TLD equipment as well as
machines from other manufacturers.
The ASD can be installed not only
on new GSE but also on existing
GSE (with the exception of
equipment mounted on commercial
chassis). This is an important point,
as this will allow to avoid
managing a fleet of GSE with
and without safety enhancement
systems. The solution will be
available on electric GSE, Diesel
or Hydrostatic powered units.
At the cost of this ASD option,
handling operations can bring
significant value to their global
fleets with increased ramp safety
and the reduction of potential
aircraft impacts.
Why is ASD reinforcing
safety of ramp operations?
ASD, through its supervision, is
making operators fully responsible
while more controlled and managed.
More controlled, because in the
aircraft area, the ASD is monitoring
the environment and ensures that
operators never drive too fast or too
close to potential causes of impacts.
ASD also acts as a black box,
recording all events, including the
conditions of the GSE during, before
and after the event. So drivers know
that ramp managers will know their
operational behavior as well!
More managed, because through
a beacon light, the GSE displays
whether the operator is following
the procedure or not.
Ultimately, ASD is increasing the
operation’s safety. In case an impact
should still occur, the GSE would
stop and restart only after a
manager comes and inspects the
aircraft helping in eliminating
unreported impacts.
TLD offers the largest range of cargo loaders in the industry. The range spans from
commercial applications to military applications, and even includes the giant loaders
used by the leading aircraft manufacturers for their airlift operations.
The TXL-838 7.5 ton loaders range already offers the
largest range of configurations from Standard, Wide,
Combo, Universal to Superior. Today, the evolution
of ground handling operations continues to create new
requirements and has resulted in a new version in the
TLD loaders range: the TXL-838-STD-XL, a 7.5 ton
extended loader.
The TLD loaders use the latest PLC CANBUS control technology
which insures the most reliable electrical circuit and a very user
friendly diagnostic center. This control design launched in 2009
has been an immediate success and remains by far the best
application of PLC control available today.
Our loaders range include:
• 3.5 tons loader
TXL-737 & TFE-3.5
• 7.5 tons
TXL-838 & TFE-7-GR
• 15 tons
929
• 20 tons
929-S
• 23 tons
PFA-50 (military)
• 25 tons
PFA-25 (military)
• 30 tons
121
• 36 tons
121-S
• 70 tons
DBT-110
Although TLD loaders have continuously evolved in
order to optimize reliability, ease of maintenance and
operation, the main features of their mechanical design
have remained the same for many years: Flat top Chains
offering the most efficient conveying system, highstrength yellow grasshopper lift design for fast
elevation, clear deck configuration with no sight or load
obstruction, and optimized stress distribution on the
platform and chassis. These features have earned a solid
global reputation and have proven their merits in the
field over the years.
The TXL-737 3.5 ton loader is available in diesel and
electric versions with more than 50 electric units in
operation today. The TXL-838 7.5 ton electric loader
actually uses the TLD reGen technology with units in
operation since 2010. These innovative designs bring
important savings in fuel consumption and maintenance to
their users. Our reGen loader is the only unit on the market
capable of operating during one full day at the same speed
as a diesel unit without recharging its batteries.
This new TLD model is a result of an increasing demand
from ramp operations for longer loaders. The objective
is to provide the baggage tractor and its dollies an easier
and safer access to the rear platform of loader elevator,
reducing the risk of interference with a long catering
truck in operation in the same environment. Although
TLD already provides the longest 7.5 ton loader on the
market in order to address this requirement we have
developed an extended Standard version offering an
additional length of 1.2 meter.
The TXL-838-STD-XL brings safer operations and
increased productivity through more rapid loading
operations. This new answer to the numerous
challenges of ground handling operations is one more
example of how TLD supports its customers’
requirements everywhere in the world, for every
application, by delivering innovative high quality
products and industry-leading support.
Possible hit
Loader without the extention
Wider space
Loader with the extention
TLD new Ground Power
Units range: compact,
simple and extremely fuel efficient.
TLD is proud to introduce our newest Ground Power Unit, the GPU-400
Series. This fifth generation GPU continues the TLD legacy of Simple,
Reliable, and Easy to Maintain equipment. Building on the success of the
GPU-4000 Series, TLD designed the GPU-400 Series with a view to
provide extremely easy operation and enhanced standard features in a
compact package.
TLD Ground Power Units are well-known for their high efficiency and
low fuel consumption. The GPU-400 Series provides additional fuel
savings features as standard equipment. Unique to TLD, our new
Generator Control Module II (GCM II) includes fully adjustable low-load
ramp-down and no-load shutdown controls. No longer will your GPU
idle on the ramp overnight – the no-load shutdown feature eliminates
wasteful fuel consumption.
Generator Control Module II is a true revolution in GPU control
philosophy. Designed to reduce the need for operator training, the GCM
II relies on Simple 3-Step Operation that guides the operator using their
native language and easy to understand icons. Leveraging the design
advantages of the GCM II, the GPU-400 Series control system
incorporates only one-third of the components used in most units
The GPU-400 Series provides additional
fuel savings features as standard equipment.
available on the market. Fewer components ensures less down time,
faster troubleshooting and easier maintenance and repair.
The GPU-400 Series features a modern, maintenance-free enclosure that
provides excellent access to maintenance areas. The extensive standard
feature list on the GPU-400 Series includes corrosion resistant fuel tanks,
cable-tray rollers, cable head storage, low-fuel warning and shutdown,
fork-lift pockets and tie-downs rings. These features ensures that the
GPU-400 Series is not only the most fuel efficient GPU, but also the
easiest to own and maintain.
As the world leader in Ground Support Equipment, TLD design
philosophy is Simple, Reliable, and Easy to Maintain. The GPU-400 Series
incorporates these core principles: low fuel consumption, ease of
operation and a long list of standard features.
TLD builds a new factory in Wuxi, China.
In order to accommodate its fast expansion
in the China market, TLD opened a new facility
in Wuxi in 2008 adding to its manufacturing
capacity with a factory already existing in
Shanghai Pudong. Wuxi is a city located 130 km
west of Shanghai with easy accessibility by
highway, high speed train and commercial
airlines. TLD Wuxi started as a rented facility
in the Wuxi New District, near the airport.
To keep up with the growing demand, TLD
acquired a vast plot of industrial land in 2010
in the Wuxi Airport Industrial Park for the
construction of a new plant, and the
architectural design and construction of the first
phase of the project was begun in late 2011.
The 1st phase project was to construct a building
area of 10,500 m2, including over 1,600 m2
office area. The entire building was designed
to an advanced architectural concept, with key
features in TLD blue and white. A large glass
curtain wall and aluminum panel facade create a
strong visual impact with vivid colors. In addition
to environmental protection requirements, safety
and energy-saving designs were applied. The
roof design is a split-level containing daylighting
panels with powered ventilation louvers. A large
roof garden offers a pleasant and bright office
environment. After final fitting of interior
equipment and furniture, the TLD Wuxi factory
moved into these new premises in May 2013.
TLD Wuxi produces the following TLD products
ranges: loaders, aircraft conventional tractors
and lavatory and water trucks. These products,
also assembled in other countries by other TLD
factories, benefit from the joint engineering
forces of the TLD design offices. TLD also
manufactures in Wuxi the JST, TLD’s diesel
baggage tractor, for the worldwide market.
The TLD Wuxi factory has delivered 340 pieces
of motorized ground support equipment in
2013 to customers in more than 30 countries
and is on pace to surpass that volume in 2014.
The extension plan of this site is already starting,
with the goal to be completed by the end of
2015. At that time, the capacity of the TLD Wuxi
factory will double, and it will clearly be one of the
largest GSE manufacturing facilities worldwide.
TLD Group Headquarter
100 boulevard du Montparnasse
75682 Paris Cedex 14 – France
Tel: +33 1 40 64 16 10
Fax: +33 1 40 64 16 15
TLD Middle East - Africa - India Head Office
Tel: + 971 4703 0409
Fax: +971 4299 5852
TLD Europe Head Office
Tel: +33 2 47 45 77 77
Fax: +33 2 47 45 77 66
TLD South East Asia - Korea Head Office
Tel: +852 2692 2181
Fax: +852 2691 2604
TLD China Head Office
Tel: +86 21 5815 3322
Fax: +86 21 5815 4400
TLD Latin America - Australia - Japan Head Office
Tel: +1 305 716 11 30
Fax: +1 305 716 10 77
Design and production: e events
www.tld-gse.com
TLD North America Head Office
Tel: +1 860 602 34 00
Fax: +1 860 688 78 95