Advanced Automated Towing Solution for Naval Aircraft Maintenance

The Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs) of the Department of the Navy (DON) play a critical role in maintaining Naval Aviation readiness by performing complex maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft, engines, and components. Despite existing automation, challenges remain due to the diversity of aircraft, task complexity, and regulatory demands. Precision, adaptive decision-making, and human dexterity are often needed where traditional automation falls short. One key aspect of MRO is the towing of aircraft within maintenance facilities, which is typically done with large, internal combustion engine tow tractors and expensive towbars. These conventional tractors are labor-intensive, emit harmful fumes, and pose risks of damage to an aircraft's nose landing gear (NLG).To improve MRO efficiency, TowFLEXX Miltech (TFMT) proposes, in this Phase I feasibility, the ‘Advanced TF5 MilSpec’ as an innovative aircraft towing solution to streamline and automate aircraft towing tasks. The Advanced TF5 MilSpec towing vehicle is TFMT's DON adaptation based on the commercially-proven, electric remote controlled TF5 baseline and its defense variant, the TF5 MilSpec, which are the most technologically advanced, labor saving and cost-efficient aircraft towing vehicles in the dual-use markets, globally.For the Phase I Base, TFMT will perform the tasks required to advance the patented, electric 360° turntable technology of the TF5 MilSpec into a fully-automated system for rapid capturing of a variety of Naval aircraft, including but not limited to, E-2C/D, all variants of the F/A-18, E/A-18G, F-35B/C, H-53E/K, H-60R/S, T-45, all variants of the V-22, and potentially unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).In a Phase I Option, TFMT will further the effort in preparation for Phase II and perform the work required to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a camera-based visual line guidance and object recognition system, combining automated technology such as high-resolution cameras and further sensors with computer vision for autonomous decision-making, to detect line markings, such as contrast lines, objects and symbols, e.g., QR codes on the FRCs’ floor and on the ground in outside maintenance areas and respond accordingly. The visual line guidance and object recognition system can be further utilized as an advanced safety and assistance system.TFMT’s solution aligns closely with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) Strategic Vision and Critical Technology Areas, particularly in Trusted AI and Autonomy, Human-Machine Interfaces, and in the additional technology areas supporting DoD Component-specific mission-critical areas such as Mission Readiness and Disaster Preparedness, and Sustainment and Logistics.