FRANKFURT, Germany - Fraport AG Ground Services is currently trialing an autonomous baggage and cargo tractor. The electric vehicle will operate on an eight-kilometer-long test route within Frankfurt Airport’s secure area. The aim of the trial, which will take several weeks, is to determine whether and under what conditions an autonomous vehicle can support regular baggage and cargo operations on the apron, AviationPros reports. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
4 March 203 - The test route starts in the eastern section of Frankfurt Airport’s apron in the baggage handling facility at Terminal 2, before heading southwards and approaching the future Terminal 3. The trial section is divided into three components, each of which present particular challenges for the autonomous vehicle. These include operations inside the baggage handling facility amidst other traffic and people, as well as in the open where there are few other vehicles. To ensure the outcome reflects real-life conditions with sufficient complexity, the test drives will take place both during the day and at night, in different types of weather.
During the test operations, the vehicle will operate at a maximum speed of 13 kilometers per hour and will tow a maximum of three baggage trailers or two large cargo trailers. A safety driver who has received special training and certification for the project will be present on each test drive. In an emergency, this person will immediately be able to react and actively intervene if an unplanned situation should occur.
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
