TLD's TractEasy driverless baggage tractor

TLD has chosen Camso's Solideal AIR 561 tyres for its new driverless baggage tractor, TractEasy, which has been developed in collaboration with EasyMile.

"We're impressed with the dedication of Camso's development team in designing not just a long-life solution, but one that tackles the specific challenges of ground support applications," explains Yves Crespel, communication director at TLD. "With the Solideal AIR 561, we're confident customers will be equipped with a performing solution that will lower their overall operating costs."

"We're thrilled that Camso has been chosen as the tyre provider for TLD's new autonomous and zero-emission electric baggage tractors," says Richard Philippe, OEM sales regional director - EMEA at Camso.

The Solideal AIR 561's distinctive ribbed tread pattern minimises vibration due to uneven wear and reduces snaking, two important challenges when operating on airport grounds. It provides greater stability, ensuring increased operator comfort and tyre life. Its energy-efficient rubber compound also helps reduce wear and rolling resistance, while its unique "lug with sipes" design increases traction in low-grip conditions.

"As a driverless vehicle that operates in normal traffic, without infrastructure modification and in all weather conditions, the need for a GSE tyre that would excel in reliability, lifespan and versatility was critical. The field tests we conducted confirmed that Solideal AIR 561 was the right tyre for the application, not only for our new autonomous vehicle, but also for our core product, the Jet-16," adds Crespel.

TractEasy is the result of a collaboration between ground support equipment specialist TLD and EasyMile. The driverless baggage tractor incorporates software that allows the robotised unit to operate in a complex and live ramp environment.

TractEasy will be based on TLD's successful JET-16 electric tractor and includes remote control, communication and safety detection tools developed by EasyMile.

TractEasy transfers baggage and freight from the terminal to the aircraft area, on the service roads, with a fully driverless approach. It operates in normal traffic, without infrastructure modification, and in all weather conditions. However, the tractor is fitted with a complete cabin to allow the operator at the stand to take control for the final approach of the dollies to the aircraft.