EMAS - Aircraft Arresting Bed
Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability
GreenEMAS
The Runway Safe greenEMAS, Engineered Material Arresting System, is a sustainably designed passive safety system that de-accelerates an aircraft, bringing it to a safe stop in case of an overrun. The main arresting component of the greenEMAS is foam glass, which is made from 100% recycled glass. It is a superior safety solution sustainable over a long period of time.
The greenEMAS is accepted by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), FOCA in Switzerland, MLIT in Japan, and DGAC in France. The greenEMAS bed is assembled on-site using local workforce and materials, except for the foam glass that has to be shipped to the location. It has been installed at many airports all over the world with the purpose of saving human lives, assets, and infrastructure, in case of an overrun.
How does the EMAS work?
The EMAS works by absorbing the energy of the aircraft as its bed components crush and move. In greenEMAS, the material responsible for this energy absorption is recycled glass – foam glass – that crushes and moves under the gear load, reducing the speed of the aircraft.
When is an EMAS required?
EMAS is an alternative to a fully-dimensioned RESA and is in accordance with, and complies to, aerodrome standards; particularly when there is not enough RESA available or when environmental or topographic features limit runway extension options. However, EMAS does not only replace RESA but will also increase safety in situations with tabletop mountains, water, roads, or buildings and other obstacles that are close to runway ends.
