October 2022 - 19

throttle to deliver ease of use with an automotive experience
and enhanced safety; an automatic park brake application and
release, which is programmed into the operation logic reducing
operator error; and brake i-booster - an electric assist on brake
activation to reduce the effort required, but in the event of a
fault, the driver still has mechanical braking.
What's more, the tractor offers the ability to integrate vehicle
The lithium TUG Endurance uses a J1772 connector
for Level 2 AC charging.
sustainability initiatives. The TUG Endurance baggage tractor is
the perfect example of designing a product that considers customer
requirements for performance, productivity and safety
on a global scale, " says Matt Chaffin, vice president and general
manager at Textron GSE. " Emphasis was placed on building a
product with technology specifically for ground support applications
that could evolve as electrification becomes paramount in
the future. "
According to Chaffin, the TUG Endurance was developed
based on direct feedback from customers.
" Textron GSE explored various technologies and identified
an opportunity to collaborate with two industry-leading companies:
General Motors and PCS, " Chaffin says. " Together, GM
and PCS have developed an integrated driveline, specifically
designed for Textron GSE products that utilizes GM's lithium-ion
battery systems.
" The driveline will allow Textron GSE to leverage GM's experience
in electric propulsion solutions, honed over more than
25 years of developing a variety of electric vehicle systems and
other zero-emissions innovations. "
Among its features, the TUG Endurance leverages high-capacity
GM and PCS lithium technology, utilizing the J1772 connector
for level 2 AC charging, as well as DC fast charging. The systems
constantly monitor for ground faults, disconnected connectors
or other potential hazards, and include a manual safety disconnect
for lock-out/tag-out procedures. In addition, the systems
will incorporate innovative safety features introduced by PCS
into the GSE industry, such as electronic transmission controls,
and an electric parking brake, both of which communicate with
the vehicle's electric drivetrain and other onboard systems to
enhance safety.
Additional features include a single chassis with the choice
of a cab forward or cab aft driving position; an electronic parking
brake that automatically engages if someone leaves the
seat, or the tractor shifts into neutral; an electronic shifter and
Technology
from GM
and PCS
is included
in the TUG
Endurance.
telematics for benefits such as swipe access, collision monitoring,
fault monitoring, geofencing, etc. The TUG Endurance
features autonomous ready control systems; a modular design;
Bluetooth remote diagnostics; a multi-function display to communicate
hours, fuel level or state of charge; a standard e-hitch;
and standard LED headlights, stop/taillights, side repeaters and
back-up light. The vehicle is designed with drive by wire for
increased operator comfort; and it offers an interchangeable
drivetrain that enables globally compliant gas and diesel models
to be upgraded to lithium as infrastructures evolve.
One of the biggest challenges was designing a single product
that met a wide variety of customer needs, according to Chaffin.
" The primary focus of our efforts on the TUG Endurance
was around capturing high take-rate options and incorporating
them into the standard design either as standard features or as
plug-and-play add-ons, " he says. " This helps increase throughput
in our factory and increases overall product quality and
reliability. "
The TUG Endurance baggage is available in a lithium powertrain,
which Chaffin says assists both customers and the
industry in achieving sustainability objectives as they require
no maintenance and offer zero tail pipe emissions.
The lithium TUG Endurance uses a J1772 connector for level 2
AC charging, and DC fast charging.
" This type of charging is prevalent in the automotive industry
and can be found in ground support equipment such as
buses, catering trucks and high lifts. Utilizing these charging
platforms can help alleviate infrastructure constraints, "
Chaffin says.
" Most customers are aware of the shift to high voltage systems
and many of them are already pursuing that technology
on their own, " he continues. " Customer feedback was supportive
of the direction we chose for the TUG Endurance EV drivetrain
and were complementary of the automotive level of safety and
quality integration. "
According to Chaffin, Textron GSE is always looking for ways
to enhance its product solutions.
" Collaborating with GM and PCS will enable us to explore
additional opportunities to synergize and electrify products
across our brands, " he concludes.
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related products, please visit:
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October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2022
