Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/11681/25920| Title: | Evaluation of expedient surfaces for remote piloted aircraft |
| Authors: | Garcia, Lyan I. Rushing, Timothy W. Rutland, Craig A. |
| Keywords: | Drone aircraft Uninhabited combat aerial vehicles Lightweight mat Landing mats--Evaluation AM2 Air bases |
| Publisher: | Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report (Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/GSL TR-17-27 |
| Abstract: | The U.S. military began using remote piloted aircraft (RPAs) for reconnaissance and offensive operations in the mid-1990s. Their effectiveness has led to the development of several new airframes with increasing capability and operational requirements. RPA ground movements are ideally separated from manned aircraft traffic areas with their own parking aprons and hangar facilities. For expedient construction of RPA facilities, a matting system is desired to rapidly create parking aprons and hangar flooring. This report describes the evaluation of four commercially available airfield matting systems that were investigated to determine their capabilities for supporting RPAs and support vehicle operations. Each mat system was tested on a full-scale test section consisting of a subgrade with a California bearing ratio (CBR) of 6 surfaced with the airfield mats. Simulated MQ-9A Reaper and P-19 fire truck traffic was applied to the mat surface. Mat breakage and deformation were monitored and compared to performance requirements for compliance. Recommendations were provided for each mat system based on suitability and risk to aid in future procurement decisions. |
| Description: | Technical Report |
| Gov't Doc #: | ERDC/GSL TR-17-27 |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/25920 http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/25920 |
| Size: | 109 pages / 12.94 Mb |
| Types of Materials: | PDF/A |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERDC-GSL TR-17-27.pdf | 13.26 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |