The Hydrogen Fuel Cell U-30 Aircraft Tow Tractor is a first-of-a-kind demonstration on a large US Air Force aircraft U-30 tow tractor utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology. The C-17 Tow Tractor can be used in a variety of military and airport ground support (Boeing 747) applications. It is currently being deployed at US Air Force Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. This project is a proof of concept demonstration to validate hydrogen fuel vehicle technologies in supporting Air Force mission requirements.
Hydrogen fuel cell U-30 aircraft tow tractor towing a plane.
Technical Specs
Fuel Cell Plug-in Tow Tractor Powertrain System Block Diagram.
Overall Vehicle Specifications
Gross Vehicle Weight
100,00 lbs
Max Drawbar Pull
72,000 lbs
OEM Manufacturer & Model
TUG Technologies Model U30
Vehicle Performance Specifications
Range from H2 and Battery
12 hours
Forward/Reverse Max Speed
15/4MPH max
Turning Radius
260” Outside Diameter, Coordinated Steering
Steering
3-Modes Steering (Coordinated, Track, Carb)
Ground Clearance
10”
Max Grade
7” Approach, 12” Breakover, 17” Departure
Overall Dimensions
L=258”, Width=110”, Height=68”
Wheel Base
124”
Fuel Cell System Specifications
Fuel Cell
30kW
Fuel Cell Technology
PEM
Fuel Cell Voltage, Current, and Power
60V-120V, 500A, 30kW
Hydrogen Storage System Specifications
Storage Capacity
10kg of H2 (2 x 5kg tanks)
Max Pressure – Min Pressure
350 BAR/5076 PSI – 13.8 BAR/200 PSI
Energy Storage Specifications
Battery Cells Type
Li-Ion
Battery Voltage
390V Nominal
Battery Max Power
240kW
Battery Energy
22kWhr
Battery Management
Integrated BMS
Direct Electric Traction Drive System Specifications
