New mobile landing capability is rolled out
Combat Support Group (CSG) is demonstrating what agility looks like as it rolls out next-generation Mobile Aircraft Arrestor Systems (MAAS) across Australia and trains in using them as a deployable asset to recover aircraft anywhere Air Force might land.
CAPTION: A RAAF EA-18G Growler lands using a Mobile Aircraft Arrestor System to demonstrate its capabilities at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Bruce Chalmers. Photo by Aircraftman Nell Bradbury.
Ground engineering personnel from CSG recently sought assistance from RAAF Base Amberley Army engineers from 6 Engineering Support Regiment (6ESR), and installed a MAAS at the base for training and trial purposes.
CSG ground engineer Flight Lieutenant Jayesh Patel said 6ESR provided earthmoving equipment to help install deadman anchors for the MAAS on either side of the runway.
“Our own airfield engineering unit, 65 Squadron, is also able to assist installing the MAAS when required, but having Army lend a hand adds to our integrated approach to defence and provided valuable experience for their operators as well,” Flight Lieutenant Patel said.
MAAS is designed to be mobile and can be installed with a crew of six and does not need earthmoving machinery to be installed at a remote location. Deadman anchors, installed with assistance of machinery, are used in certain soil conditions, but equally effective anchors may also be deployed by the crew.
The agile nature of the transportable system is enhanced by its ability to be manually installed within a few hours.
With four units and supporting equipment able to fit into a C-17A Globemaster III hold, the MAAS can be deployed efficiently anywhere in the world and installation can occur without any airfield operational impact.
CAPTION: The Mobile Aircraft Arrestor System in use after a F/A-18F Super Hornet from No. 1 Squadron lands at RAAF Base Scherger, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. Photo by Corporal Brett Sherriff.
By the end of this year, Air Force will have six systems in place at various bases, ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Concrete anchor points will be constructed at Air Force’s northern bases to enable MAAS to be placed more quickly, removing the need for the installation of temporary anchor points.
The MAAS’ arrestor cables are adjustable to suit the airstrip, making the asset a complete package for recovering aircraft that may return from operations with a defect or where damaged runway surfaces prevent safe landing.
“The MAAS adds to Air Force capability and responsiveness by having a system that provides the same level of performance as a permanent system, while remaining easily deployable,” Flight Lieutenant Patel said.
CAPTION: Personnel from 23 Squadron Cable Crew prepare the Mobile Aircraft Arrestor System at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.
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