BOEING CO. has tested an electric motor that could allow
commercial jets to taxi around airports without using their
engines or ground-based towing vehicles, the company said.
Boeing said its Phantom Works unit had used the nose-wheel
motor, built by Chorus Motors Plc, to move around an Air Canada
Boeing 767 jet in tests simulating various runway conditions in
June. The system could offer a glimmer of hope to U.S.
airlines, which have been scouring for ways to boost economies
amid record fuel prices, by directing pilots to taxi with
single engines, among other steps. It was unclear how soon the
motor would be ready or how much it would cost. Boeing said the
companies are working to overcome various technical issues that
had surfaced during the tests. The motors could save airlines
money by eliminating the use of airport tow tugs and boost
efficiency by running their jets less, as well as reduce
emissions, the companies said.
(Reuters 11:44 AM ET 08/01/2005)

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