what is emas

EMAS stands for Engineered Material Arresting System, which is a safety system used at the end of runways to help stop an aircraft that overruns the runway. The system uses crushable material placed at the end of a runway to decelerate the aircraft as it rolls through the material. The tires of the aircraft sink into the lightweight material, which reduces the energy required to stop the aircraft and minimizes the risk of human injury and aircraft damage. EMAS is used in cases where land is not available for a standard runway safety area (RSA) of standard dimensions. The technology improves safety benefits in cases where the ground profile at the end of a runway is such that the consequences of a landing overrun, or one following a rejected takeoff initiated from high speed, are serious damage to, or the complete destruction, of an aircraft. EMAS can be an alternative to a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) where the topography precludes the full recommended length of a RESA or it may be used in addition to a full-length RESA where precipitous terrain immediately follows the end of the RESA. EMAS is not effective for incidents involving aircraft of less than 11,000 kilograms (25,000 lb) weight. Runway Safe is the sole manufacturer of EMAS products that meet the FAA standards of Advisory Circular 150-5220-22B, “Engineered Materials Arresting Systems for Aircraft Overruns” . Currently, Runway Safe has two EMAS systems, the cellular concrete block system called EMASMAX® and a silica foam system called greenEMAS® .