TowFLEXX Miltech is a U.S.-based defense and dual-use venture specializing in the development of advanced, electric aircraft towing and ground support solutions for contested logistics environments. Headquartered in New Castle, DE, TowFLEXX Miltech designs and delivers towbarless, remote-controlled, and semi-autonomous towing vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for efficient, secure, and labor-saving aircraft handling during maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.

Our flagship platforms – including the TF5 and TF6 MilSpec series – feature a patented 360° turntable lifting unit, fully electric drivetrains, and a modular eCube as the vehicle’s central control unit, enabling single-operator towing of fixed-/rotary-wing aircraft without stressing the nose landing gear (NLG). In support of Navy Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs) and shipboard aviation operations, TFMIL is developing an aircraft carrier variant to perform towbarless spotting and repositioning of aircraft such as the F/A-18, E-2D, V-22, and MH-60 families. With over 100 MilSpec units already fielded across the U.S. DoD/Joint Force and NATO allied forces, TowFLEXX Miltech combines commercial agility with defense-grade reliability.

Focus Area: Reliability Improvement (Hardware)

Dr. Tobias Strobl (CEO, TowFLEXX Miltech)
ts@towflexx-miltech.com
415-583-2671

Problem Statement:

Naval Aviation maintenance operations face persistent challenges in the safe, efficient, and secure towing of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft within FRCs and flight line environments.

Legacy diesel-powered tow tractors rely on manpower-intensive systems based on using towbars which increase the risk of NLG damage, introduce operational delays, and generate hazardous exhaust and noise. These platforms lack precision maneuverability, pose visibility limitations, and are incompatible with the Navy’s evolving requirements.

Current solutions do not support semi-autonomous functionality or secure operation in wireless-denied environments.

Technology Solution Statement:

TowFLEXX Miltech provides a family of electric, towbarless aircraft towing vehicles engineered for precision, safety, and operational efficiency in military aviation environments. Our TF5 and TF6 MilSpec series platforms are built on a patented 360° turntable lifting unit that enables direct NLG engagement without the need for a towbar. This unique capability allows aircraft to be maneuvered omni-directionally without turning the NLG, significantly reducing mechanical stress and the risk of damage during towing and repositioning.

Designed with modularity and maintainability in mind, the vehicles incorporate ruggedized electric drivetrains, swappable eCube vehicle control units, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems, enabling rapid turnaround, minimal downtime, and compatibility with both flight line and hangar operations. The remote-controlled functionality empowers a single operator to execute complex towing tasks with precision, improving crew safety and reducing personnel requirements.

TowFLEXX Miltech’s technology is fielded and proven across U.S. DoD/Joint Force and NATO allied installations and is engineered to support a wide range of aircraft, including F/A-18, F-35B/C, V-22, E-2D, and MH-60 platforms.

Benefits Statement: 

TowFLEXX Miltech delivers advanced, towbarless electric towing solutions that directly enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of Naval aircraft ground handling operations. Our TF5 and TF6 MilSpec platforms reduce manning requirements by enabling single-operator control and eliminate the need for towbars, minimizing NLG stress and the risk of towing-related damage. With zero-emission electric drivetrains, our systems improve hangar and flight line working conditions and support environmental compliance goals.

Backed by proven field deployments across U.S. DoD installations and Government-sponsored development efforts, the TowFLEXX Miltech electric platforms for towing of DoD aircraft accelerate readiness and reduce lifecycle costs. For FRCs and shipboard applications, our scalable, modular systems support a broad range of legacy and next-generation aircraft, improving overall sustainment performance in contested and complex maintenance scenarios.