Engineered Material Arresting Systems

When a landing aircraft over runs the end of a runway there can be disastrous results; the aircraft may run into a body of water, busy highway, or nearby residential area.

Although the FAA now requires a safety are of 1000 additional feet beyond the end of the runway, many older airports do not have the physical real estate needed to lengthen runways.

One solution is called a “Soft Ground” arrestor, also commonly referred to as engineered material arresting system (EMAS). EMAS, as its name implies is an engineered material that deforms readily and reliably under the weight of an overrunning aircraft and the resulting drag forces decelerate the aircraft to a safe stop.

Over the past decade, the FAA in cooperation with Engineered Systems, Co. (ESCO) of Logan Township, NJ has conducted research into the design and effectiveness of EMAS. Research began with the development of a mathematical model to predict the factors associated with an overrunning aircraft. In 1996, full scale testing was used to successfully validate the model. Subsequent research identified EMAS as being susceptible to destructive forces of jet blast. As a result, a second generation of “Jet Blast Resistant” (JBR) EMAS was developed consisting of a specialized JBR coating. Research into the long-term effects of moisture intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles on the performance and durability of the material was conducted under partnerships with the Port Authority of NY & NJ, and major universities. Current research is aimed at addressing the longevity and durability of the material in harsh winter climates.

FAA is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) where EMAS is being exposed to arctic temperatures in order to gain a better understanding of the system's ability to withstand seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

EMAS is now considered a proven technology having been installed at more than twenty locations throughout the United States. EMAS has been effective in safely decelerating three recent overrunning aircraft. In May 1999, a commuter aircraft overran the runway into the EMAS at JFK International Airport. In December 2002, EMAS safely arrested an overrunning Pacific Jet Gulfstream II at Burbank Airport in California. And in May 2003, an overrunning Gemini Cargo MD-11 was safely decelerated at JFK International Airport. In all cases, serious damage to the aircraft was averted and there were no injuries to passengers on board.

In the wake of a recent overrun accident at Chicago's Midway Airport, the FAA is conducting additional studies into alternative types and applications of EMAS to enhance runway safety throughout the United States.

The Office of Airport Safety and Standards (AAS-1) issued Advisory Circular 150/5220-22a
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) for Aircraft Overruns on 9/30/2005.

Points of contact for the soft ground arrestor program are:

Pam Phillips
Senior Airport Engineer
Port Authority of NY&NJ
212 435-3696

Ryan King
Civil Engineer   
FAA Technical Center
609 485-8816

Peter Mahal
Director, Marketing
Engineered Systems Co.
610 595-2840

Contact Project Lead: Ryan King

Last Update: 10/16/07