Abstract: The apparatus disclosed comprises a universal tow and coupling bar for connecting automatically to an aircraft landing nose gear and towing the aircraft during ground transport. The aircraft engaging end of the tow bar has directional adjustment and is hydraulically controlled in three coordinates. The end of the tow bar opposite to the aircraft engaging end is semi permanently connected to the aircraft towing vehicle. The aircraft engaging end of the tow bar contains an automatic hydraulically controlled locking assembly arranged to engage and lock with a mating locking assembly permanently fixed to the aircraft nose wheel structure. In addition to the aforementioned features of the universal tow bar are means for controlling the length of the tow bar, interupting the aircraft's hydraulic steering system, and connecting to the aircraft's telephone system.