Kalmar Motor AB

Kalmar Motor AB – Aircraft Tractor Manufacturer Since 1969, Electric/Hybrid Technology Leader, Sweden

Core Services & Expertise

Kalmar Motor AB operates manufacturing aircraft tractors for more than 45 years making company one of oldest in business. Developed and manufactured aircraft tractors since 1969 specializing in vehicles moving aircraft.

Mission is clear and simple: Move commercial aviation aircraft of all sizes. With simple and effective design do it quickly and carefully as well as with accessibility 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Find right tractor for every airport and every kind of aircraft used in commercial aviation from regional aircrafts to Airbus A380.

Combining simplicity with cutting edge technology. Kalmar Motor is world leading in technology for towbarless handling of regional aircraft and Electric/Hybrid power technology. Create tractors that last longer, require less service and have level of comfort enabling drivers to achieve top performance. Market leader in electric and hybrid technology for sustainable ground support industry.

Product Range: Includes both conventional towbar tractors and towbarless (TBL) tractors with capacity of handling from regional aircraft up to wide bodies. Kalmar Motor is synonym for TBL. First TBL (Towbarless) tractor developed by Kalmar Motor and launched in 1989. Even today when several functions from 1989 are standard for aircraft tractors, TBL from Kalmar Motor offers functions that are unique within industry.

Towbarless tractors allow attachment (docking) without having to lift or move plane-unique function only offered by Kalmar Motor. TBL 800 is first ever hybrid tractor that can handle wide body aircraft using electrical power. This enables towing Airbus A380 with or without personnel in cockpit quickly and safely.

Electric and Hybrid Technology: Electric and hybrid towbarless tractors have capability to move commercial aviation aircraft of all sizes using cost saving and environmental friendly Electric and Hybrid power drives. Operated at fraction of costs and emissions far below those of combustion engines of conventional diesel drives. Regenerative Charging: During deceleration electric motors function as generators charging batteries transforming aircraft’s moving mass into energy. With impressive sizes of wide body aircrafts system itself will generate “free” battery charging. Full power at all time: Powertrain completely electric. Diesel engine automatically charges batteries when needed meaning full power available at all times regardless of percentage charged.

Geographic Reach & Capabilities

Privately owned and situated in Kalmar, Sweden (Postal address: Kalmar Motor AB, Box 820, SE-391 28 KALMAR, SWEDEN).

Strong market position in Scandinavian home market and growing export to Central Europe, USA, China and Far East. Vehicles from Kalmar can be found on airports in most parts of world.

Solid finances, Triple A rating for several decades. Flexible organisation with fast reaction to market and consumer demand.

Industry Credentials & Partnerships

Kalmar Motor AB maintains 45+ years manufacturing aircraft tractors with world leading status in towbarless handling of regional aircraft and Electric/Hybrid power technology.

Established in 1969 as one of oldest companies in business. First TBL tractor launched in 1989 pioneering towbarless technology demonstrating innovation leadership.

TBL tow without personnel in cockpit achieved by sophisticated patented cradle design combined with F.A.C.T.® System controlling tractive and braking forces as well as torque and angle in extremely accurate way. System incorporates mechanical torque release similar to shear pin in towbar making possible to achieve very tough requirements set by airframe manufacturers for handling commuter aircraft. TBL therefore tractor on market handling widest range of commuter aircraft with formal NTO approvals.

Conventional power shift transmissions with latest automatic shift technology means seamless gear shifts and smooth driving. In comparison to hydrostatic drive systems get lower fuel consumption, greater dependability, greatly reduced maintenance cost and longer lifespan.

Operator cabin developed to make long shifts comfortable: All tractors have same optimised operators cabin with driver positioned centrally with same line of sight in both directions. 180 degrees rotation of driver seat with steering wheel, controls and instruments moving and adjusting so driver always drives facing forwards regardless of direction. Adjustable height: Three largest tractors have hydraulically suspended cabins that can be raised or lowered for optimised operations. Hydropneumatic suspension on operator cabins and drive axles ensure highest level of comfort. All information on one graphical colour display thanks to latest CAN bus technology.

Client Benefits & Advantages

Clients selecting Kalmar Motor AB benefit from pioneering towbarless technology with comprehensive electric/hybrid solutions:

• 45+ Years Experience: Since 1969 validates deep aircraft tractor expertise and proven reliability
• TBL Pioneer: First towbarless tractor launched 1989 demonstrates innovation leadership and market maturity
• Unique Docking Function: Attachment without lifting or moving plane available only from Kalmar Motor simplifies operations
• A380 Capability: TBL 800 first hybrid tractor handling wide body aircraft with electrical power including Airbus A380
• No Cockpit Personnel Required: Patented cradle design with F.A.C.T.® System enables safe towing without personnel in cockpit
• Widest Aircraft Range: Formal NTO approvals for widest range of commuter aircraft validates airframe manufacturer acceptance
• Lower Operating Costs: Electric/hybrid operation at fraction of diesel costs with far lower emissions maximizes savings
• Regenerative Charging: Free battery charging from aircraft’s moving mass during deceleration reduces energy costs
• Full Power Always: Automatic battery charging ensures full power at all times regardless of charge level
• Longer Lifespan: Conventional power shift transmission versus hydrostatic drive provides lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance, greater dependability
• Operator Comfort: Optimised cabin with 180-degree rotation, adjustable height, hydropneumatic suspension, CAN bus display enables long shifts
• Triple A Rating: Solid finances for several decades ensures company stability and long-term support

These capabilities combine to create pioneering aircraft towing solutions focusing on towbarless technology, electric/hybrid powertrains, and operator comfort with world-leading innovation.

Quick Facts:

• Founded: 1969 (45+ years)
• Location: Kalmar, Sweden
• Innovation: First TBL tractor 1989, world leading towbarless/electric/hybrid technology
• Capacity: Regional aircraft to Airbus A380 wide body
• Technology: Electric/hybrid powertrains, regenerative charging, F.A.C.T.® System
• Markets: Scandinavia, Central Europe, USA, China, Far East
• Financial: Triple A rating for several decades

Contact Details:

Address: Kalmar Motor AB, Box 820, SE-391 28 KALMAR, SWEDEN
Phone: +46 (0)480 276 78
Fax: +46 (0)480 590 39
Email: info@kalmarmotor.se
Website: www.kalmarmotor.com

Location