Tronair 01-1185-0011 Custom Aircraft Towbar for Sikorsky S-61, S-70, UH-60, SH-60, & Boeing Apache

The Tronair 01-1185-0011 Custom Towbar is intended specifically for towing Sikorsky S-61 and S-70 aircraft, as well as the Boeing Apache. Because this towbar is designed around aircraft-specific tow points and geometry, it should only be used with the aircraft listed for safe, proper engagement.

This custom aircraft towbar uses machined pins on the towing head to connect to the nose landing gear axle. Proper attachment and secure locking are critical before towing to help prevent aircraft damage and reduce the risk of towbar disengagement.

The Tronair 01-1185-0011 includes an eyebolt that incorporates a dampening spring to help absorb towing forces during movement. This design helps reduce shock loading during starts, stops, and transitions, supporting smoother towing and better control on the ramp.

This towbar is rated for a maximum aircraft gross weight of 25,000 lbs (11.34 metric tons). Staying within the rated towing capacity helps reduce excessive stress on the towbar and aircraft tow points during ground handling operations.

This towbar uses an aluminum towbar body paired with a steel towing head, combining strength with manageable weight for aircraft towing applications. The material selection supports durability in operational environments where repeated towing and handling can cause wear over time.

Tronair recommends attaching the towbar to the aircraft first and then connecting it to the tug. This towing procedure helps reduce the chance of unintended movement and can help prevent aircraft damage during setup.

To help prevent towbar or aircraft damage, the maximum angle between the ground and the towbar should be 5°, and the angle between the tug and towbar should not exceed 45°. Maintaining a level towbar and using wider turning radii helps avoid binding, interference, and excessive loading during towing operations.

Yes. Certain coupler styles are known to cause binding and potential failure in the towbar’s lunette eye/eyebolt, including lift head, vertical side swing latch, swivel hook, and standard duty latch designs. Tronair notes that a telecoupler pintle hook arrangement is recommended because it is known to eliminate eyebolt binding.

Operators should inspect key wear points such as the towing eye, towbar tube, casters, tires, fasteners, and towing head attachment hardware before each use. Tronair also recommends greasing the tire axle every 90 days to 6 months and removing the towbar from service if damage, such as cracks, bends, or deformities, is found.