TowFLEXX GmbH

TowFLEXX – Aircraft Tug Manufacturer, Up to 40% More Hangar Space, Global Operations

Core Services & Expertise

TowFLEXX operates manufacturing aircraft tow tractors providing up to 40% more hangar space through innovative 360° rotating turntable technology.

Founded by Hanns Schickling who initially developed first “Schleppmaxxe” (TugMAXX) for own use to maneuver small aircraft out of hangar. What started as simple hobby has matured into serious and globally active company.

Company managed by Axel Schickling since Hanns Schickling retirement beginning 2019.

Product family developed that can transport aircraft and helicopters up to 60,000kg / 132,000lbs (currently up to 90,000kg / 198,000lbs with TF6 model). Within weight classes there are models for almost every type of aircraft.

New tug currently under development able to move aircraft up to 150,000kg / 330,000lbs with series of electric aircraft jacks also about to be launched.

Key Innovation – 360° Rotating Turntable:

Nose wheel of aircraft first positioned and fixed on freely rotating turntable. This then lifts aircraft and towing operation can start.

Special turntable counterbalances movements of tug so nose wheel remains unchanged in direction of travel while aircraft tractor can flexibly rotate 360° around it.

Outstanding feature protects very sensitive landing gear and is one of main reasons why TowFLEXX earned so much popularity from all over world.

Operator can move freely around aircraft with wireless remote control to have any possible danger in sight at early stage significantly increasing safety.

Product Range:

TF1: Towing capacity up to 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg). Manual controls. Weight 132 lbs. Time to release aircraft 5-10 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 3km / 1.8mi. Aircraft applications.

TF2: Towing capacity up to 8,800 lbs (4,000 kg). Manual controls. Weight 70kg / 154 lbs. Time to release aircraft 5-10 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 3km / 1.8mi. Aircraft applications.

TF2.2: Towing capacity up to 8,800 lbs (4,000 kg). Manual controls for Robinson Helicopters. Lifting capacity up to 1,500kg / 3,300 lbs. Weight 70kg / 154 lbs. Battery runtime ca. 3km / 1.8mi.

TF3: Towing capacity up to 20,000 lbs (9,000 kg). Remote controlled with 360° axis. Lifting capacity up to 1,500kg / 3,300 lbs. Mechanical wheel adjustment. Weight 771 lbs. Time to release aircraft 10 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 5km / 3.8mi. Aircraft and Helicopter applications.

TF4: Towing capacity up to 30,000 lbs (14,000 kg). Remote controlled with 360° axis. Lifting capacity up to 1,500kg / 3,300 lbs. Semi-automatic wheel adjustment. Weight 600kg. Time to release aircraft 12 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 8km / 5mi. Aircraft and Helicopter applications.

TF5 / TF5 Essential: Towing capacity up to 132,000 lbs (60,000 kg). Remote controlled with 360° axis. Lifting capacity up to 5,000kg / 11,000 lbs. Mechanical wheel adjustment. Weight 1,900kg / 4,189 lbs. Time to release aircraft 20 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 8km / 5mi. Aircraft and Helicopter applications.

TF6: Towing capacity up to 198,000 lbs (90,000 kg). Remote controlled. Lifting capacity up to 14,000kg / 30,000 lbs. Automatic wheel adjustment. Weight 2,000kg / 4,409 lbs. Time to release aircraft 30 seconds. Battery runtime ca. 3km / 1.8mi. Aircraft and Helicopter applications.

All models available in individual configurations. Models TF3-TF6 feature front and rear lights. Optional 24V GPU available for all models.

Benefits:

More Usable Space: Up to 40% more hangar space gained

Additional Revenue: 40% increase through space optimization

Fewer Damages: 98% reduction in damages protecting sensitive landing gear

More Efficiency: 50% improvement in operational efficiency

Using conventional towing devices requires lot of space to be able to maneuver-TowFLEXX solves this problem.

Geographic Reach & Capabilities

Headquarters: Visbek, Germany (Woestendoellen 95-96, 49429 Visbek) with new office space completed 2023 and production capacities increased and significantly reorganized.

USA Operations: TowFLEXX Incorporate established with first steps into USA made in 2014. Originally headquarters in Brookhaven, PA. Since beginning 2024 moved into new location in New Castle, Delaware offering larger storage space and new production capacities with own team on site supervising various development projects.

Global exports all around world with clients including US Air Force, renowned aircraft manufacturers, well-known DAX companies, famous private owners.

Industry Credentials & Partnerships

TowFLEXX maintains globally active company status with operations in Germany and USA.

Product originally developed many years ago with first prototype “SchleppMAXXE” still in portfolio (TF1 & TF2) with optimizations and different name but basic principle still same.

Service differentiators: Up to 40% more hangar space gained, 360° rotating turntable protecting sensitive landing gear (unique on market), wireless remote control for safe operation, towing capacity up to 90,000kg / 198,000lbs (currently) with 150,000kg / 330,000lbs under development, 98% fewer damages, 50% more efficiency, individual configurations available, clients include US Air Force/renowned aircraft manufacturers/DAX companies/famous private owners, new office space 2023 with increased production capacities, new USA location 2024 in New Castle Delaware.

Safety focus: “Safety” is central topic with automation and digitalisation playing major role pursued with great intensity by engineering teams.

Operator can move freely around aircraft with wireless remote control to have any possible danger in sight at early stage.

Outstanding rotating turntable feature protects very sensitive landing gear-one of main reasons TowFLEXX earned so much popularity from all over world.

Client Benefits & Advantages

TowFLEXX’s innovative aircraft tug technology addresses key hangar operations challenges:

• 40% more hangar space maximizes valuable real estate and revenue potential
• 360° rotating turntable protects sensitive landing gear reducing damage risk by 98%
• Wireless remote control enables operator to move freely maintaining visual safety oversight
• Towing capacity up to 90,000kg / 198,000lbs handles large business jets and fighter planes
• 150,000kg / 330,000lbs capacity under development addresses future heavy aircraft needs
• 50% efficiency improvement reduces aircraft handling time and labor costs
• Individual configurations available accommodates unique aircraft requirements
• US Air Force and renowned manufacturers as clients validates performance and reliability
• Quick release times (5-30 seconds depending on model) improves operational tempo
• Electric operation with battery runtimes up to 8km reduces operational costs

These capabilities combine to create innovative ground handling solutions focusing on space optimization, safety, and operational efficiency.

Quick Facts:

• Founded: Many years ago (company managing since 2019 by Axel Schickling)
• Locations: Visbek, Germany (HQ, new office 2023) and New Castle, Delaware, USA (new location 2024)
• Towing Capacity Range: 4,400 lbs to 198,000 lbs (90,000 kg) currently, 330,000 lbs under development
• Product Range: 7 models (TF1 through TF6) plus TF5 Essential
• Key Innovation: 360° rotating turntable protecting landing gear (unique on market)
• Benefits: 40% more hangar space, 98% fewer damages, 50% more efficiency
• Clients: US Air Force, renowned aircraft manufacturers, DAX companies, private owners
• Applications: Aircraft and helicopters, Robinson Helicopters (TF2.2)

Contact Details:

Headquarters: TowFLEXX GmbH, Woestendoellen 95-96, 49429 Visbek, Germany
Phone: +49 4445 988-144
USA: New Castle, Delaware (since 2024)
Website: www.towflexx.com