SkyTugs

SkyTugs makes the SkyTug Pro, a portable electric tug for moving small airplanes on the ground. The company builds it in Burbank, California. It is made by a father and son team and is made in the USA.

The SkyTug Pro is meant to give the power of a gas tug in a small, light package. It uses a 36 volt hub motor and tows up to 3,500 pounds. It has no chains, gears, fumes or engine noise. The tug has a variable-speed throttle and automatic braking.

It weighs 35 pounds and folds up. A pilot pulls the quick-release pins and can carry it in the airplane. The company says it adds very little to a weight and balance sheet.

The tug runs on two Milwaukee M18 batteries. These are easy to find and easy to swap, so there are no special battery packs to buy and no wait for a charger. One charge gives about 40 moves.

Each tug is built to order for the customer's airplane. The company offers high mounts, low axle mounts, wheel pants, hook mounts and taildragger fits, among others. Buyers enter the aircraft year, make and model when they order. SkyTugs then supplies the right parts for a good fit.

It lists many general aviation types as compatible. These include the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, Van's RV models from the RV-3 to the RV-15, and several Lancair models. Piper types include the PA-18, PA-24, PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, PA-38 and PA-46. The Mooney M20, many Cessna types from the 140 to the 210, and Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42 are also listed. So are the Grumman AA-1, AA-5 and GA-7 and several Sling models. Owners of other types can ask the company to check fit. SkyTugs sells to the United States and many other countries.

Services

• SkyTug Pro electric airplane tug
• Built-to-order aircraft mounts
• Compatibility checks
• Direct online sales