Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method and apparatus for moving parked aircraft including an omni-directional tractor and an aircraft lift dolly that is removably and revolvably coupled thereto. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that moves longitudinally and laterally with respect to the forward chock. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.

Abstract: A trailer mule vehicle with a frame, two independent drive wheels located at the rear of the frame on a common axis, two caster support wheels located at the front of the frame, and a fifth wheel plate generally centered between and positioned above the rear drive wheels. Each drive wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of rotation about the center of the fifth wheel plate. The fifth wheel plate is mounted on an articulated arm which raises and lowers the fifth wheel plate for rapid coupling to and transportation of a semi-trailer without the need for retracting the semi-trailer's landing gear.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.