Aircraft collision avoidance system

An aircraft collision avoidance system for use during towing or push-back of an aircraft while it is on the ground, the system comprising:

• at least one apparatus for alerting an operator to the presence of obstacles during the towing or push-back of an aircraft while it is on the ground, the apparatus comprising:
• a self-propelled platform;
• at least one sensor attached to said platform, configured to sense potential obstacles, and including at least one aircraft sensor that is operable to track a point on the aircraft;
• and
• a communication system attached to said platform for transmitting data relating to said sensed obstacles, the communication system being operable to communicate with at least one of:
• a same said apparatus;
• an operator control panel;
• a command centre;
• and a vehicle towing or pushing-back the aircraft,
• wherein the apparatus is configured to maintain an alignment of the platform with said point on the aircraft;
• and
• a carrier configured to carry said at least one apparatus.

A method of alerting an operator to the presence of obstacles during the push-back or towing of an aircraft, the method comprising:

• providing at least one apparatus comprising a self-propelled platform and at least one sensor attached to said platform, said at least one sensor being configured to sense potential obstacles, and including at least one aircraft sensor that is operable to track a point on said aircraft;
• bringing at least one said apparatus to a position within visual range of a respective part of said aircraft;
• and
• causing said at least one said apparatus to maintain its position relative to the respective said point on said aircraft during a movement of said aircraft.