The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has starting rolling tests of an electric nose wheel powered by a fuel cell. The tests will be run on DLR's Advanced Testing and Research Aircraft (ATRA), an Airbus A320. Airbus and Lufthansa Technik are supporting the tests.
DLR was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology to develop emission-free ground propulsion systems for aircraft, the nose wheel is the result of this project. It is capable of powering a 70-ton aircraft during ground manoeuvres, which allows taxiing without engaging the main engine. The device is expected to eliminate noise and to cut emissions at airports by up to 27%.