Multi-Head Aircraft Towbars

Multi-head aircraft towbars are designed for maximum versatility, making them suitable for towing everything from light general aviation planes to large commercial airliners, cargo aircraft, and even military platforms. By using interchangeable towbar heads or adapters, these systems can accommodate a wide variety of nose landing gear sizes and tow-point configurations. This flexibility eliminates the need for multiple single-aircraft towbars, saving both space and cost for operators with mixed fleets.

Interchangeable towbar heads allow a single towbar shaft to be used with multiple aircraft types. To change heads, the operator simply removes the ball-lock pin, inserts the correct towbar head or adapter, and secures it in place. Manufacturers such as Tronair, Brackett Aircraft Company (BAC), and Clyde provide towbar heads engineered to match the tow fittings of hundreds of different aircraft, ensuring precise fit and safe towing.

The correct towbar head depends on the aircraft's specific nose gear and tow fitting. The best way to confirm compatibility is to consult the aircraft’s operations manual, the towbar manufacturer’s compatibility chart, or OEM guidelines. PJi's aviation specialists can also help you select the right towbar head for your fleet, ensuring compliance with manufacturer specifications and safe towing performance.

Yes. Brackett Aircraft Company (BAC) multi-head towbars are designed to accept standard Tronair towbar heads, providing the same towing capacities when used together. This cross-compatibility allows operators who already own Tronair heads to expand their flexibility without purchasing duplicate equipment.

Yes. Multi-head towbars are engineered to handle a wide spectrum of towing needs, from small piston aircraft to wide-body jets. Some heavy-duty models include hydraulic-operated landing gear assemblies that allow operators to raise and lower the towbar with ease, making it safer and more efficient when working with large commercial or cargo aircraft.

The towing eyebolt is the connection point between the towbar and the tug. It incorporates a compression spring to absorb shock loads, reducing stress on the tug and aircraft during starts, stops, and turns. This feature helps ensure smoother towing operations while extending the service life of both the towbar and tug.

Multi-head towbars are equipped with several safety mechanisms to protect both the aircraft and ground crew. Shear pins act as a fail-safe, breaking under excessive loads to prevent structural damage. Locking pins, sliding collars, and axle adapters ensure secure attachment to the aircraft’s tow fitting. Heavy-duty models may also include reinforced shafts and ergonomic handles to improve safety and control during ground operations.

Always attach the towbar to the aircraft first, ensuring the correct towbar head is securely locked in place. Once attached, connect the towbar to the tug via the towing eyebolt. This sequence prevents unnecessary stress or accidental damage to the aircraft and ensures a safer towing process.

Check that the shear pins, pivot bolts, and locking mechanisms are intact and functioning properly. For towbars with hydraulic-operated landing gear, verify tire inflation, wheel security, and the integrity of the landing gear assembly. Performing these checks ensures reliable performance and helps prevent equipment failure during use.

If any cracks, defects, or missing components are discovered, immediately remove the towbar from service. Using a compromised towbar can endanger the aircraft, tug, and personnel. For repair or replacement, contact an authorized Tronair service center or reach out to PJi's aviation specialists for support and guidance.

Testing the towbar before connecting to an aircraft ensures all components are working as designed. Verifying shear pins, locking mechanisms, and hydraulic systems (if equipped) helps prevent costly damage during towing. A quick pre-operation check is a simple step that improves safety, protects valuable aircraft, and extends the lifespan of your ground support equipment.