A new type of synthetic grass for runway shoulders will increase safety and reduce engine maintenance costs, says Montreal-based Fieldturf which launches the product at Le Bourget this week.
The bright green turf, developed from advances in sports field surfaces, is designed to reduce the amount of wind-blown sand and dust that cause the erosion of turbine blades when ingested by an engine, while increasing runway visibility. The turf will also eliminate soil erosion around runways and, as it is artificial, will not support vegetation, dissuading birds and rodents from inhabiting the runway area.
Lorie Gosman, Fieldturf product manager, says: "With plane wingspans and engine thrusts increasing, runway and taxiway overhang on many international airports is a real concern. The damage when engines ingest material can potentially be very costly. Air-Fieldturf cuts airport maintenance and insurance costs while reducing fuel costs for airlines."
The turf has an expected lifespan of 30 years, and is guaranteed for 15. Air-Fieldturf is currently being tested for certification.
Source: Flight Daily News
