The work was finalised in January 2020, and the unit is capable of towing a 150 tonne aircraft.
Vietjet, starting its own ground operations in Hanoi, approached Bliss-Fox for its F1-150D tractors, in addition to other GSE such as baggage tractors, dollies, water trucks and baggage carts.
The tractor's diesel Euro 3 or 4 engine is modular, enabling the engine, transmission and hydraulic system to slide in and out of the chassis. In this way the unit can be swapped with and electric motor and battery set-up. Helpfully, the diesel and electric work on the same electric system platform.
Bliss-Fox says that this innovation will help users if they don't have the necessary infrastructure in place or if they lack confidence in terms of battery power; a swap to electric can easily be carried out at a later date.
