SBIR-STTR Award

Direct to Phase II

TowFLEXX Miltech (TFMIL) proposes the Omni Directional Aircraft Mover Platform (OD-AMP) - a fully electric, modular, towbarless tug system engineered to transform U.S. Air Force aircraft maintenance and repair operations (MRO). Current depot operations rely on outdated diesel-powered tugs and towbars that are slow, labor-intensive, and spatially inefficient, posing risks of aircraft damage and bottlenecks during high-tempo maintenance. OD-AMP directly addresses this challenge with a zero-emission, hydraulics-free towing solution capable of precise omni-directional movement, even in highly constrained spaces like sanding bays, corrosion control lines, and paint facilities. Designed for F-16s and compatible with a range of aircraft, OD-AMP reduces tow lane requirements by more than 50%, improves alignment with automated tooling systems, and enhances depot throughput while minimizing aircraft stress during movement. Built on TFMIL’s proven TowFLEXX TF5 MilSpec platform - deployed in over 3,000 commercial and 100+ defense units worldwide - OD-AMP integrates multiple commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tug units with patented 360° Turntable Lifting Units (TLUs) for nose gear capture with the gear up or down. A centralized control unit synchronizes multi-vehicle movement, enabling safe lateral, diagonal, and rotational repositioning. The system includes a powered cradle, sensor-integrated TLUs, and semi-autonomous control modes with a secure handheld interface for single-operator remote control. Validated through extensive Air Force end-user interviews, OD-AMP meets critical needs for labor reduction, safety, and operational flexibility. This D2P2 effort will deliver a mission-ready TRL 6/7 prototype ready for testing in depot operations, directly supporting Air Force depot maintenance goals for efficient, resilient MRO operations in highly constrained environments. OD-AMP is not only a depot modernization asset - it is a strategic enabler for ACE and resilient basing.