Ground carts to support skid equipped aircraft and to maneuver these craft safely on the ground during taxiing for take off, recovery, servicing, and transport to maintenance or storage. The ground carts provide the capability to minimize risks of damage to aircraft during towing by lifting the aircraft off the ground. Further, an embodiment of the ground cart of the invention includes the ability to rotate the aircraft on a cart platform up to 90.degree. from the direction of forward motion of the cart to facilitate movement in and around the airport apron/hanger and to counter cross winds during take off. In addition, carts may be controlled from the aircraft, for example to provide for steering control until the aircraft is launched, cart braking, platform rotation, and other maneuvers.