SCHOPF F396P — Pushback Tractor with Right-Hand Drive and Integrated 90 kVA Houchin GPU
The SCHOPF F396P is a 60-ton, high-performance pushback tractor engineered for the heaviest wide-body commercial aircraft in service, with a capacity of up to 600 t MTOW.
This customized variant features right-hand drive and a rear-mounted 90 kVA Houchin GPU, replacing the rear cabin to provide simultaneous towing and aircraft power support. Equipped with a 330 kW Deutz diesel engine, 460 kN drawbar pull, and advanced 4-wheel steering, it delivers exceptional handling, reliability, and operational efficiency on today’s busiest aprons.
This particular configuration features right-hand drive, a standard option in the F396 series for operators who require improved visibility and apron alignment on specific ramp layouts.
In place of the rear operator’s cabin, the unit is fitted with a Houchin 90 kVA Ground Power Unit – a high-reliability diesel GPU frequently used for powering large aircraft during maintenance or at remote stands.
Key Technical Enhancements
Powertrain
- Engine: Deutz V6 diesel, up to 330 kW, designed for high drawbar pull and continuous heavy-duty operation.
- Drawbar Pull: 460 kN installed, enabling pushback of aircraft up to B777, B747, A330/A340, and A380.
Chassis & Performance
- Drive: Full-power-shift transmission (ZF), 4-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-steer.
- Steering modes:
- Front-wheel steering
- Rear-wheel steering
- 4-wheel coordinated
- Crab steering
Cabin (Modified Configuration)
- The standard F396P features a full-width elevating front cabin.
- Right-hand drive layout.
- Rear cabin removed and replaced with GPU module.
Integrated Houchin 90 kVA GPU (Rear-Mounted)
- A robust 90 kVA Houchin GPU is installed in place of the rear cabin. This GPU is typically used to power large commercial aircraft requiring 115/200 V, 400 Hz AC power.
- Output: 90 kVA, 115/200 V, 400 Hz, 3-phase.
- Compliance: Meets MIL-STD-704F and ARP5015 standards for aircraft power quality.
- Design: Compact, reliable, and suitable for remote aprons and heavy-duty airport use.
Integration Benefits
- Allows the tractor to serve dual roles: pushback/towing and aircraft power supply.
- Eliminates the need for a separate static or towable GPU on stand.
- Increases airside efficiency for maintenance, turnaround, and remote stand operations.
Key Features
- Exceptional pushing performance for all large wide-body aircraft, including the A380.
- Right-hand drive improves operator visibility on selected airport layouts.
- Dual-function capability with integrated GPU reduces equipment footprint and logistics.
- Proven reliability: the F396 family is the top tier of SCHOPF’s conventional tractor line and is widely deployed at major international airports, with over 200 units known to be in operational service, reflecting decades of SCHOPF engineering experience.
