Aircraft Tow Bar – Robust Towbar Solutions by Jetsys Defence

Engineered for ground support equipment (GSE) operations, the Jetsys Defence Aircraft Tow Bar delivers safe, efficient towing for defence and commercial fleets. Built with high-strength alloys, precision towbar heads, and ground handling wheels, it ensures smooth pushback and towing with reduced nose-gear stress.

What Is an Aircraft Tow Bar?

An aircraft tow bar connects the nose landing gear to a tow tractor so the aircraft can be pushed back or towed between the hangar, apron and flight line. The tow-head locks onto the nose gear, and shear pins and retaining pins help protect the nose landing gear and tow bar in an overload. Jetsys Defence tow bars are configured to the operator's aircraft list, from business jets to regional and narrow-body types.

Product Variants

Multi-Head Towbar

One body, multiple interchangeable tow-heads—ideal for mixed aircraft fleets.

Portable / Fly-Away Towbar

Lightweight, compact, and suitable for deployments or remote bases.

Snap-Back Option

Energy-absorbing design that helps mitigate peak loads during tight turns.

Custom Towbar

Project-specific geometry, material, paint code, and ground handling wheel package.

Key Features of the Aircraft Tow Bar

Operator safety:Shear pins and retaining pins help protect the NLG and towbar in overload events.
Fleet flexibility:Multi-head towbar options reduce total SKUs for mixed fleets.
Lower downtime: Rugged wheels and sealed bearings support frequent ramp use.

Precision connection:Positive-lock tow-head design reduces play and wear.
Weather & fluid resistant:Corrosion-protected finish and Skydrol-resistant coatings.
Mobility on ramp:Towable design with balanced weight distribution for easy positioning.

Technical Specifications

Values below are representative; configurations can be customized to your aircraft list and operating environment.

Parameter	Specification
Towbar Type	Fixed / Multi-Head / Portable / Snap-back (optional)
Aircraft Class	Business Jet / Regional / Narrow-Body (select Wide-Body on request)
Rated Push–Pull Capacity	25–75 kN (application-dependent)
Tube Material	High-strength alloy steel or aluminum (project-specific)
Tow-Eye Size	Ø 3.0 in (standard), others on request
Tow-Head Interface	Positive-lock with integrated shear pins & retaining pin
Height Adjustment	Undercarriage with free-floating axle; shim/spacer options
Ground Handling Wheels	Heavy-duty, impact-absorbing, sealed bearings
Overall Length	3.0–4.5 m (model-dependent)
Storage / Transport	Towbar trolley or rack (optional)
Finish	Corrosion-protected, Skydrol-resistant industrial coating
Operating Temperature	-20°C to +55°C (extended ranges available)
Compliance	GSE good practices; factory functional test & QC records
Accessories	Telecoupler, extension kits, shock absorber, tow-head rack

Applications

Defence bases & squadrons – Towing and repositioning aircraft between hangars, dispersal areas and the flight line.
MRO & line maintenance – Moving aircraft in and out of hangars for inspections and servicing.
OEM trials & testing – Ground movement of aircraft during trials and test programmes.
Charter & regional airlines – Pushback and towing support for small to mid-size fleets.

Maintenance & Care (Quick Guide)

Inspect after use – Check tow-head latch, shear pins, retaining pins, and wheels for wear.
Lubricate moving parts – Grease pins, bushings, and couplers as per maintenance intervals.
Clean & store dry – Wipe coatings, avoid fluid residue, and protect seals from chemical exposure.
Periodic checks – Confirm tow-eye wear limits and torque on critical fasteners.

Why Choose Jetsys Defence Towbars?

Built for reliability –Heavy-duty tube construction with integrated shear protection helps safeguard the nose landing gear during pushback and towing.
Multi-aircraft compatibility –Interchangeable tow-heads and optional adapters fit business jets, regional aircraft, narrow-body, and selected wide-body platforms.

Fast, safe handling –Ergonomic undercarriage with free-floating axle and impact-absorbing ground handling wheels improves maneuverability and operator safety.
Maintenance-friendly –Modular design with accessible pins, bushings, and seals allows quick inspection and lower lifecycle cost.

Related Ground Support Equipment

The tow bar is part of the Jetsys Defence ground support equipment range, alongside the nose jack and nitrogen trolley. For loading and handling tasks, see our ground handling equipment. Share your aircraft list and we will recommend a tow bar configuration.