WheelTug PLC
What they do:
WheelTug develops and manufactures electric aircraft taxiing systems. Their flagship product is an in-wheel system installed on the nose wheels of aircraft.
The problem they solve: Traditional aircraft taxiing (moving on the ground between gate and runway) often requires pushback tugs or the use of the aircraft's main engines. This is inefficient, costly, and increases emissions.
How it works:
WheelTug's system uses electric motors powered by the plane's auxiliary power unit (APU) to enable aircraft to maneuver on the ground independently.
Benefits:
* Saves time during aircraft turnaround
* Reduces fuel burn and emissions
* Reduces noise pollution around airports
* Increases potential aircraft utilization
* Potentially improves safety by reducing the need for external vehicles
5. WheelTug has a major market opportunity Magnitude
>10% already have LOIs
$1,500-$3,000/flight benefits
1,700 flights/year/aircraft
15,000 aircraft
6. Product
WheelTug's onboard electric taxiing system enables aircraft to taxi and
pushback without using main aircraft engines or a pushback tractor
Commercial aircraft spend an ever-increasing amount of
time on the ground. That leads to heavier delays, more fuel
burn and carbon emissions.
WheelTug’s electric motors are mounted in the nose wheel,
powered by the APU and operated from the cockpit by the
pilot.
The technology brings significant reductions in carbon
emissions during ground operations, lower fuel
consumption, increased aircraft utilization, and cost savings.
Complemented with a 360° optical camera system WheelTug Vision,
enhancing pilots' situational awareness and increasing safety.
ü Technology readiness level – 7
ü 150+ patents granted, 40+ pending
ü Certification path agreed with FAA
ü STCs projected to be granted in Q3 2025
ü System publicly demonstrated in MEM, US
ü Only E-taxi solution approaching the market
7. The system design is defined and all
parts of the supply chain secured.
Key components are protected through
risk-sharing agreements. Our Partners
are invested in a joint success.
Supply Chain
WheelTug is an active member of
multiple industry workgroups and
research consortiums focusing on
bringing e-taxi into airport operations.
Industry Relations
In preparation of key stakeholders for
the system’s entry into service
feasibility studies are being executed at
airports for a smooth commencement
of service.
Airports
We believe in innovation through cooperation of likeminded partners
Our product is a result of long-term alliances Partnerships
8. WheelTug's first feasibility study conducted with
Adani Airports and the Mumbai airport team
showed that WheelTug will add 2-3 flights per gate
per day (25-37% improvement over 8 currently).
Adani airports now require their new VDGS
systems to be compatible with WheelTug.
WheelTug-equipped aircraft benefit from airport support
That’s why we conduct feasibility studies on WheelTug operations Acceptance
Feasibility Study findings
ü WheelTug FASTGates will offer faster turnarounds and
handle more aircraft without adding more gates
ü No tugs required - faster, safer, more dependable and less expensive operations
ü WheelTug lowers airports' CO2 and NOx emissions
ü Reduced jet blast enables faster re-positioning of ground vehicles
ü Fewer wing walkers mean safer and more efficient processes
ü Aircraft can pivot at the gate; no need to reverse and block taxi lanes
9. WheelTug has signed LOIs with 25+ airlines for 2,600+ aircraft
Representing 15%+ of global narrow body fleet Customers
+ undisclosed
airlines
10. "Vueling's commitment to sustainability is resounding and, as part of IAG, we are committed to
achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Partnerships such as this one with WheelTug are
fully aligned with our work to optimize the efficiency of our operations and allow us to continue to
move towards our objectives both in the short and long term.“ Oliver Iffert - COO
“At Royal Brunei, we are constantly looking for better ways to increase the efficiency and safety
of our operations – whilst also looking into ways to lessen the environmental impact commonly
associated with the aviation industry. Thus, we are very excited on the potential retrofitting of our
A320 aircraft with the WheelTug product.” Kamal Ariffin Dato Paduka Hj Abd Rahman - CEO
"We are happy to partner with the world’s well-known aviation electric taxi innovator, WheelTug.
Ethiopian Airlines has always been at the forefront of technology in Africa. As the largest airline
in the continent with more convenient connections, Ethiopian Airline now brings more people to
Africa than any other carrier, and WheelTug will help its efforts to deliver the best possible travel
experience to its esteemed customers.“ Tewolde Gebremariam - CEO
“WheelTug is an integral part of the aircraft, hence it provides pushback that is more predictable.
Turning around faster will definitely help our on-time performance…. Also with airports getting
more and more congested and taxi times ranging from 15 to 20 minutes, the fuel saving
opportunity is substantial.” Capt. Ashim Mittra - SVP Flight Operations
"The WheelTug system will help us reach more people and places as we increase the size of
our young fleet, which is one of the newest fleets in America, as well as the number of
destinations we serve. Besides, it will contribute to strengthen our operating efficiency, which is a
pillar of our business model characterized by low prices.“ Juan Carlos Zuazua - CEO
11. WheelTug is a recognized member of multiple industry working groups.
The aviation industry recognizes its contribution to sustainability, airside
automation and electrification.
Recognition
Member of FlyingGreen initiative,
EUROCONTROL's flagship project for aviation
sustainability
Member of two working groups within Alliance
for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA)
1) Aviation regulation, certification and
standardization and 2) Airports.
IATA strategic partner and member of its
Ground Operations group, contributing to IATA’s
Ground Operating Manual
Participant in SESAR's Advanced Engine-Off
Taxiing Operations (AEON) project, modelling
the operation of different taxi solutions on the
airside.
Member of Airlines International Representation
in Europe (AIRE).
Member of Sustainable Taxiing Taskforce
(joint undertaking of EUROCONTROL and
Airports Council International) that prepared a
CONOPS for sustainable taxi solutions.
12. FAA (WT) and EASA (WTV) acceptance of the Certification Plan shows
that there are no regulatory barriers to achieving certification
WheelTug and WheelTug Vision have a clear and agreed path to approval
Certification
Status
WheelTug System
12 months to completion
WheelTug Nose Landing Gear
15 months to completion
WheelTug Vision
8 months to completion
Supplemental Type
Certificates
WheelTug Wheel
9 months to completion
Technical Standard
Order
125 Byrdland Drive Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 232-8073
Date: October 19, 2022
Subject: Wheel Tug FAA Certification
Avenger Aerospace Solutions, Inc is highly experienced at working with aerospace development
programs and the FAA at all levels. We possess particular experience within the realm of
Supplemental Type Certificates and other very involved FAA projects such as OEM style Type
Certificate programs (for new aircraft) and Parts Manufacturing Authority (for new parts). For more
information on our background, feel free to visit our web page at www.AvengerAerospace.com.
Our experience with the FAA is deep and thorough and I, personally, have held an FAA delegation to
approve engineering data for over 20 years. By applying for a Supplemental Type Certificate,
receiving a Project Number from the Seattle FAA ACO, having completed FAA acceptance on the
Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) as well as having submitted a large amount of FAA
approved data to the ACO (based upon the accepted Certification Plan), WheelTug is on track to
secure its Supplemental Type Certificate for the WheelTug system on the 737NG family of aircraft.
We have been working with the WheelTug team since 2015 and in my opinion, the team possesses all
the capability necessary to execute the technical phases of the certification project and has exercised
great diligence and a “working together” attitude with all of the teammates involved in this project.
I have full confidence this will continue until full FAA certification is obtained.
The PCSP for this project has been approved by the FAA for quite some time now and represents the
agreement between the FAA and WheelTug for an acceptable path to certification of the WheelTug
product. During the execution of the engineering portion of the project, there has been no “push back”
by the FAA on any data that has been presented to date. Data generation, review and approval
continues each and every week as the project marches on to completion. The FAA adheres to the
agreements of the PSCP and will continue to do so for the duration of this project.
In the end, our customers are always provided a path forward to completion of any FAA project and
will obtain FAA certification, as well as have that product entered into service once the project data
has been generated, reviewed and approved to all the pertinent FAA requirements. Taking into
consideration of all the requirements, technical data already generated and the plan for future data
generation, it is my expert opinion that WheelTug will similarly succeed, obtain certification and be
entered into service.
David Misencik
President
Avenger Aerospace Solutions, Inc.
13. Issuance of FAA Approvals
Issuance of EASA Approvals
via bilateral agreement
Issuance of DGCA Approvals
Certification Roadmap
2015 Q3 2025
Proposed
Certification
Plan submitted
to the FAA
Certification
Plan formally
accepted by
the FAA
2016 2017 2023
Certification Plan execution
70% completed as of 12/2023
2/3 of the way there, Entry into service projected for Q3 2025
14. Storage
Lab
Receiving and Inventory
Sub Assy and
Repair Main Assembly
Assembly line and kitting center established in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Sized to deliver all 737 and A320 forecast demand Manufacturing
15. Isaiah Cox Jan Vana Jack France Nechama Cox Alex Froes Joseph Cox Scott Moses Tomas Vana
CEO COO GM IP Manager Chief Engineer QA WheelTug PM WTV PM
Princeton
University
US Air Force and
Staff College
University of South
Carolina
Barnard
College
PUCPR
University of
Pennsylvania
Niagara
College
University College
London
Founder of
WheelTug
Holder of 120
patents
Czech Airlines
ABS Jets
Czech Air Force
Honda-GE
Honda Jet
Honda North
America
Primary developer
of WT’s Motor
technology
Heads the IP Team
Mitsubishi Aircraft
Embraer
Volvo Trucks
Mercedes Benz
Nike
Intel
IBM
Lockheed Martin
Curtiss-Wright
L-3
IMAX
Amazon
Pricewaterhouse
Coopers
PM Cabinet CZ
WheelTug is a privately owned company.
The entire management team is fully or partially remunerated in equity. Team
16. WheelTug Impacts a Wide Range of Operations Benefits
Reduced
ü Fuel consumption
ü CO2 and NOx emissions
ü Ground time
ü Engine & Brake wear
ü Pushback risk and cost
ü Noise
ü Tugs & Ground personnel
Increased
ü Aircraft utilization
ü Airport throughput
ü Safety
ü Passenger Satisfaction
17. Lower Ground
Time →
Greater Profit
Airline profitability is strongly correlated to time on the ground
The less equipment and personnel time consumed, the higher revenue Time Value
Carriers reporting >2K flights ● Excludes ground times >180 mins ● Narrowbodies only for FY2015 & 2016 ● 2M+ flights: 14-20/8/2016, 22-28/11/2016,19-26/4/2017, 8-14/5/2018
18. ü More flights per day
ü Longer flights per day
ü Lower crew costs per mile flown
ü Better On-Time Performance
ü Fewer delays and happier
passengers
ü Tow tugs and personnel are cut
ü Jet engine wear is decreased,
aiding lifetime and efficiency
ü Injuries and accidents become
more rare
Saved time translates into a multitude of cascading benefits Time Value
19. Operative
Phase
Preliminary
Phase
Final operational check
(A/C clear, towbar, FOD,
ground vehicles)
Ground: walk-out assistance
Pushback
Clearance?
Pushback request
Flight Crew
Release parking brake
Flight Crew
Pushback Aircraft while
monitoring cameras
Ground: tug operator
Taxi out
Flight Crew
No
Yes
Pushback made
simpler, faster, safer
Operative
Phase
Post-Process
Phase
Preliminary
Phase
Set parking brake
Disengage nose gear
steering system
Connect towbar/lift off
nose gear, tug prepared to
brake
Remove wheel chocks,
wing posts
Flight Crew
Ground: Tug Operator
Ground: Tug Operator
Ground: handling personnel
Final operational check
(A/C clear, towbar, FOD,
ground vehicles)
Ground: walk-out assistance
Pushback
Clearance?
Pushback request
Flight Crew
Release parking brake
Flight Crew
Pushback Aircraft
Ground: tug operator
Visual control of obstacle
clearance
Ground: walk-out assistance
Set parking brake
Flight Crew
Disconnect towbar/tug
Ground: tug operator
Move Tug to Stand (if
necessary)
Ground: Tug Operator
Connect Comms
Ground: walk-out assistance
Engage nose gear steering
system
Ground: tug operator
Remove tug
Ground: tug operator
Disconnect comms, give
hand signal
Ground: walk-out assistance
Visual confirmation of
hand signal
Flight Crew
Engine Start
Clearance (if
necessary)
Engine start request
Flight Crew
Engine start
Flight Crew
Taxi out
Flight Crew
No
Yes
Yes
No
WheelTug pushback reduces number of roles & interactions
Correspondingly it reduces human factor risks
Pushback
Procedure
20. Equivalent of
4,539
km driven by a car
There are 14K
narrowbodies
Savings a year equal
23 billion
km of driving
Average
30.6
kg of carbon emissions
saved per engine-minute
Average
7.5
minutes of engine run
savings
Average
4.4
flights a day
One WheelTug saves
1,010
kg of CO2 emissions
every day
Powered by the APU, using 84% less fuel than main engines
CO2 savings from pushback alone are 1T/aircraft/day
Lower
emissions
Total CO2 savings are much greater
21. Additionally, WheelTug will also reduce emissions as a result of:
WheelTug on, main engines off
• Deicing
• Waiting (taxi-out congestion, arrival congestion, thunderstorms or
other delays)
WheelTug on, main engines at idle
• Hybrid Taxi – WheelTug provides breakaway thrust, so the aircraft
taxis to the runway without advancing throttles
Engine Efficiency Improvements because of WheelTug
• Reduced FOD on the ground retains higher engine efficiency
• GTF and LEAPs require more time to warm up and cool down. The
engines suffer if this is not respected. WheelTug allows for gradual
engine warmup, which reduces stress and damage. WheelTug thus
leverages the fuel efficiency advantages of these new engines.
Elimination of the ground tug and its emissions
Total CO2 savings could exceed 2T of CO2 per aircraft/day.
For standard pushback alone
(WheelTug on, main engines
off), WheelTug saves 1T of
CO2 per aircraft/day.
WheelTug is powered from the APU that uses
84% less fuel than the main engines. The
majority of WheelTug’s CO2 savings proceed
from lower usage of the main engines.
17
22. Competition
It never sleeps
But in our case we have quite a head start
WheelTug
Safran Green
Taxi
Green Taxi Taxibot Mototok Legacy Tug
Type On-board On-board On-board GSE GSE GSE
Certification
Status
15 months to EIS
On hold, not for
existing aircraft
Early R&D
stage
On the market On the market On the market
Technology
Readiness Level
7 3 2 9 9 9
Eliminate
Ground Staff?
Yes Yes Yes No No No
CAPEX for
Customer
0 Est. $1 - $1.4M Unknown Est. $2M Est. $0.5 - $1M Est. $0.5M
Business Model EaaS Sale Unknown Service charge Sale Sale
Customer Airline Airline/Airbus
Aircraft
OEM
Ground Service
Company or Airline
Ground Service
Company or Airline
Ground Service
Company
Weight (lb) 500 880 Unknown N/A N/A N/A
Time Savings
(min)
8-20 0 Unknown 0 Unknown 0
23. WheelTug systems will be leased to airlines
on an industry recognized
Power-by-the-hour (PBH) basis.
WheelTug will provide the systems and their
installation, maintenance, spare parts,
logistics, pilot training and 24/7 support for a
fixed rate on an operational duration basis.
System usage will be tracked and logged
through a software solution in the cockpit
control panel.
This is a common and established industry
practice for how engines and other parts are
leased in aerospace.
The model brings no CAPEX to customers
and provides continual revenue to the
system’s manufacturer.
Service business model
Power-by-the-hour based billing Business Model
24. To maximize positive cash flows, needed by Q1 2025
To complete 737NG certification, enter service (16-18 months),
start revenue stream.
$40M
Strategic equity, will proceed once $10-$20 million alongside
$10M
VC/Institutional matching funds. Require a suitable Lead
Korean Fund. Term Sheet executed, closing in May
$5-10
$20
$80M
WheelTug has already raised $93M in cash from individual and institutional
investors and in products and services from risk-sharing Partners
Current Series B: funds are to complete certification
Funding
Advanced
negotiation
stage
Raising
Term Sheet executed and in process to Written Offer.
Convertible debt
$30m
25. ü Corporate Structure
ü Personnel Structure
ü Customer / Supplier / Partner / Industry references
ü 3P (Deloitte) business case and valuation assessment
ü Available investment models
ü Shareholder Structure
ü Financials (balance sheets, audit reports, projections, etc.)
ü Use of proceeds
ü WheelTug manoeuvers
ü Our test campaign
ü What Captain Joe has to say about us
ü Our CEO’s latest interview
ü Zoom meeting with our CEO at:
app.simplymeet.me/isaiahcox or exec@wheeltug.com
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