Advantages and Challenges of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) play a critical role in aviation safety by preventing aircraft runway overruns. Designed with specialized materials that absorb kinetic energy, EMAS stops overrunning aircraft safely and efficiently. This innovative technology has become indispensable for airports with space constraints, offering a practical alternative to extending runways. In this article, we will explore the advantages and challenges of EMAS, shedding light on its significance, areas for improvement and alternative technologies to Complement EMAS.
What are EMAS ?
These systems are installed at the end of airport runways and are made of
materials engineered to decelerate an aircraft that overruns the runway, bringing it to a safe stop.
The key features of EMAS are as follows.
• Material Composition:
EMAS is typically made from lightweight, crushable materials like cellular concrete or specialized foam blocks.
These materials are strong enough to support the aircraft under normal conditions but are designed to collapse
under the weight of an overrunning aircraft.
• Energy Absorption:
When an aircraft enters the EMAS, the system absorbs the kinetic energy of the aircraft by
allowing the material to deform and crush, significantly slowing the aircraft.
• Design Standards:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities specify the design requirements
for EMAS, ensuring its performance under various aircraft weights and speeds.
• Low Maintenance:
EMAS requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective solution for runway safety.
Common Applications
• Airports with physical constraints, such as nearby highways, waterways, or urban development.
• Runways where the installation of a standard Runway Safety Area (RSA) is not feasible.
Examples of Use
EMAS has been successfully deployed in airports around the world. Notable instances of its effectiveness include incidents where overrunning aircraft were safely brought to a stop without injuries or significant damage.
Advantages of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
The some of the benefits of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) are as follows.
1. EMAS significantly reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities by safely stopping overrunning aircraft before they encounter hazards beyond the runway.
2. EMAS allows airports with limited physical space to meet Runway Safety Area (RSA) requirements without extending the runway.
3. While installation can be expensive, EMAS minimizes potential costs associated with aircraft damage, injuries, and lawsuits from overrun incidents.
4. Aircraft stopped by EMAS can often be recovered with minimal damage, and the system can be repaired or replaced relatively quickly compared to runway expansions.
5. EMAS systems are adaptable to various aircraft types, runway layouts, and site specific constraints which
make them a versatile safety option.
Challenges of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
The some of the limitations of EMAS are as follows.
1. The design and installation of EMAS require significant investment, which may be a challenge for smaller airports or those with limited budgets.
2. While EMAS requires minimal regular maintenance, repairs after an overrun can be expensive and time-consuming.
3. EMAS is most effective for aircraft overruns at relatively lower speeds. High speed overruns may exceed the system's stopping capacity.
4. Installing EMAS in areas with natural or ecological constraints, such as wetlands or near water bodies, may require additional environmental approvals and adjustments.
5. While EMAS is space efficient compared to runway extensions, it still requires a certain minimum area for installation, which may not be feasible at some highly constrained airports.
Improvements in Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
To make Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) effective for high speed aircraft overruns,
several design and operational enhancements can be considered. These modifications aim to increase the
energy absorption capacity and reliability of the system under extreme conditions.
• Incorporate high strength Crushable Materials with greater energy absorption capacity while maintaining controlled
deformation properties. Examples include high-density cellular concrete or composite materials.
• Use a multilayer design where the top layer absorbs lighter impacts, and
deeper layers are engineered for higher speed overruns.
• Lengthen EMAS bed which provides more space for deceleration and
allows the system to handle higher kinetic energy from faster aircraft.
• Anchor the EMAS more securely to prevent system displacement during high speed impacts.
This ensures the materials function optimally to stop the aircraft.
• Customize EMAS design based on most common aircraft types and maximum landing/takeoff speeds.
• Install sensors and cameras to monitor speed of approaching aircraft.
This allows ATC (Air Traffic Controller) to warn pilots and/or activate emergency measures.
• Conduct regular stress testing for high speed overruns to ensure the system meets updated safety standards.
• Identify and repair any wear or damage which might reduce effectiveness of the system
during high speed incident.
• Work with aviation authorities (e.g., FAA, ICAO) to establish new standards for EMAS that consider high speed scenarios.
Alternative Technologies to Complement EMAS
➨Arrestor Cables:
Incorporate arrestor cable systems, commonly used on military runways, to assist EMAS in
decelerating high speed overruns.
➨Enhanced Aircraft Braking Systems:
Encourage the integration of more robust onboard braking systems to work in conjunction with EMAS.
Conclusion
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) represent a significant advancement in runway safety, combining efficiency and adaptability. While they offer undeniable benefits such as enhanced safety, space efficiency and cost savings, challenges like high installation costs and limitations for high speed overruns remain. Continuous innovation and strategic deployment can maximize EMAS's effectiveness, ensuring safer air travel for airports of all sizes.