Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems

This report evaluates alternative materials that could be used for an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), as well as potential active arrestor designs for civil aircraft applications. Currently, there is only one manufacturer that has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. This report provides an evaluation of (1) cellular glass foam, (2) aggregate foam, (3) engineered aggregate, and (4) a main-gear engagement active arrestor system. Airport operators will find the updated cost information and performance considerations useful, airport planning firms will be aided by evaluating future options with respect to runway dimensions and land requirements, and manufacturers of alternative products will be encouraged to see the performance characteristics of other materials and the potential process by which they may be able to gain approval.