WheelTug has selected Aversan to design its cockpit controller system, known as the aircraft electric drive system.

Under the deal, Aversan will support WheelTug by developing a cockpit controller system for the Wheeltug aircraft electric drive system, which enables aircraft to taxi without using their engines.

Aversan engineering director Scott Moses said: "This partnership highlights our ability to design high reliability, safety critical embedded systems for WheelTug’s ultimate success.

"We look forward to working with WheelTug and maintaining a long-term relationship."

Aversan is experienced in developing safety critical systems compliant with DO-178 / DO-254 standards.

"This partnership highlights our ability to design high reliability, safety critical embedded systems for WheelTug’s ultimate success."

WheelTug aircraft electric drive system aims to reduce ground time and cost spent between flights, refuelling and unloading and loading passengers and baggage.

It will also enable aircraft to parallel park at terminals, using two doors and two jet bridges to unload and load passengers, reducing an aircraft’s ground time by as much as 20 minutes per flight cycle.

The system reduces costs associated with fuel, engine and brake wear.

Aversan offers diversified solutions, including design, development and verification of safety critical systems for both commercial and military aircraft markets.

In 2014, WheelTug entered another deal with RMCI to develop a sensor module for the upcoming WheelTug aircraft electric drive system.

Under the deal, RMCI will be the exclusive supplier of the system worldwide.

The WheelTug system uses high performance electric motors, installed in the nose gear wheels of an aircraft that provide full mobility while on the ground. The system does not require the aircraft’s jet engines or tugs for both pushback and taxi operations.

In 2012, WheelTug successfully tests electric drive system on Boeing 737NG.