An innovative partnership between Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute (TDI) and Kansas-based RPMC LLC is helping bring a new aircraft-moving system closer to commercialization, offering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities a more affordable solution for maneuvering aircraft in confined spaces.
Based in Almena, Kansas, RPMC developed the concept to address a common challenge facing MRO operations: safely positioning aircraft inside crowded hangars where precision and available space are at a premium. While aircraft-moving equipment exists, many systems are prohibitively expensive for smaller maintenance facilities, creating an opportunity for a lower-cost alternative.
RPMC’s initial prototype successfully demonstrated the concept but lacked several key features needed for commercial use, including a battery-powered drivetrain and wireless remote operation. Seeking additional engineering expertise, the company turned to the Northwest Kansas Economic Development Innovation Center, which connected RPMC with TDI.
Working together, the partners refined the concept and secured early-stage funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Proof of Concept grant program. Market research and customer demonstrations guided the redesign, leading to a second-generation prototype supported through funding from TDI, the Northwest Kansas Economic Development Innovation Center, and RPMC.
“The unit is designed to move small aircraft all the way up through regional jets and even narrow-body aircraft such as the 737 and A320,” said Bret Lanz, commercialization director at TDI. “After several years of development, customer feedback, engineering, sourcing components and fabrication, it’s rewarding to see the system successfully moving aircraft on the tarmac.”
The collaboration highlights TDI’s role in helping Kansas entrepreneurs transform innovative concepts into market-ready products. By combining engineering expertise with commercialization support, the partnership has accelerated development of a practical solution that could improve operational efficiency for aircraft maintenance facilities while reducing equipment costs.
Housed within Kansas State University’s Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, TDI provides engineering, prototyping and commercialization services that help businesses and researchers advance new technologies from concept to marketplace. The institute is supported in part through the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund and the Patterson Family Foundation’s rural entrepreneurship initiatives.