Airport ground operations have a great impact on the surrounding environment. Many have proposed or are studying innovative systems to perform taxi without use of the main engines. This would result in cleaner and quieter airport operations, as well as in improved fuel efficiency. In this paper, the possibilities and limitations of such systems are discussed considering real scenarios and constraints. The technical challenges that determine their viability and integrability into the aircraft or airport, as well as the expected benefits and issues are addressed. Finally, the most important current research and development projects are presented.
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