pilot vehicle

plural pilot vehicles

1. A vehicle that ranges ahead of a convoy/train/transport
   1. AustraliaroadA vehicle used to warn other road users of the presence of an oversized vehicle/combination
   2. transportSynonym of pilot engine / pilot locomotive: An engine that runs ahead of a train to clear the route

      Synonyms: pilot engine, pilot locomotive

2. transportA lead vehicle
   1. transportSynonym of pilot engine / pilot locomotive: The leading engine locomotive in a multiple heading train

      Synonyms: pilot engine, pilot locomotive

3. transportA tending vehicle
   1. transportSynonym of pilot engine / pilot locomotive: A yard/station locomotive engine used to shuttle rail cars around a yard or station

      Synonyms: pilot engine, pilot locomotive

4. productionengineeringA prototype vehicle, initial production vehicle, lead vehicle in a new manufacturing process, first vehicle produced in a new manufactory.
5. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pilot, vehicle.