Abstract: A device for tow vehicles intended for maneuvering commercial aircraft, where the type of aircraft to be towed is identified and the turn-out angle between the longitudinal axes of the vehicle and the aircraft is determined and monitored during the towing process. The type of aircraft may be ascertained by measuring the width of the nose gear assembly. The turn-out angle can be calculated by measuring the relative distances between opposing sensors on the tow vehicle and the fuselage utilizing a characteristic hull shape of the particular type of aircraft.

Abstract: The aircraft-towing tractor which comprises a rearwardly open fork within which a frame is mounted so as to be raised and lowered. Telescopingly extensible shanks of the frame reach rearwardly to carry gripper arms behind the nosewheel assembly of an aircraft so that the assembly is drawn into the opening of the fork and is retained thereagainst a front shoe. A retaining claw can be swung into place from above and the frame raised.