More than surface value

Innovation in Air Force is helping generate and deliver effective air power in Australia’s north with a breakthrough new pavement surface currently being trialled and evaluated.

CAPTION: An F-35A tests the Dura-Base matting during the two-week trial of the temporary surface at RAAF Base Tindal, NT. Story by John Noble.

Known as Dura-Base, these heavy duty mats interlock together to give aircraft a continuous and stable surface while protecting the ground below.

A special trial of the innovative temporary surface was coordinated by Air Force Headquarters’ Air Capability Enablers (ACE) Branch, and conducted at RAAF Base Tindal by a team from 65 Airbase Recovery Squadron – the small team also involved personnel from US Air Force (USAF) airbase recovery and engineering squadrons.

According to the trial team, including construction lead Flying Officer Georgia Foristal, Dura-Base has real potential in supporting the air power capability of Air Force.

“A 2000-square-metre apron was built in a matter of days and then successfully tested by a 75 Squadron F-35. This was the first known use of Dura-Base for a fifth generation aircraft,” Flying Officer Foristal said.

Squadron Leader Sean Jamieson, of ACE Branch, said the product was initially designed as a temporary load-bearing work platform system on low-strength soils by the oil-drilling industry.

“The use of Dura-Base has [now] extended to other applications,” he said.

“This includes the US Army Corps of Engineers testing the technology in 2007 and revealing it could cater for very heavy C-17 wheel loads.

“Because of its performance, Dura-Base was an ideal product to trial as a rapid aircraft taxiway and apron expansion capability for temporary operations in areas normally difficult for expedient pavement construction due to remoteness.”

Squadron Leader Jamieson said that Dura-Base enhanced the existing rapid temporary pavement surface capability, which currently uses AM2 matting.

“Although AM2 matting has been successfully used since the 1960s, Dura-Base was demonstrated to be faster and easier to install,” he said.

Squadron Leader Jamieson added that the Tindal trial clearly showed the suitability of Dura-Base matting for agile operations. It could help deliver Australia’s strategic objectives of its northern bases and enhance rapid repair and construction of taxiways, aprons and other hardstands in remote areas.

Dura-Base is also versatile and easy to construct, with minimal surface preparation, according to Flying Officer Foristal.

“Working with the USAF members was a very positive experience and further enhanced interoperability between the RAAF and PACAF (Pacific Air Forces) regarding airfield damage repair (ADR) capability,” she said.

“Dura-Base is a very promising ADR capability for Australia that will be used in a number of future applications.”

The Dura-Base trial continues the successful interoperable delivery between Australia and the US, which remains a key part of collaboration between the two air forces.

CAPTION: Dura-Base matting is laid out at RAAF Base Tindal, NT.

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