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At Avion, we proudly work with Air Force bases both domestically and internationally, helping solve the unique challenges they face. As a follow up to last weeks post on the origins of the Air Force, and with Veterans Day just around the corner, we will focus this week on how Avion works with Air Force bases to improve safety during landings. From limited resources to operational constraints, Avion50 offers flexible and cost-effective rubber removal solutions tailored to each base’s specific needs. This blog highlights three unique examples of how Avion50 has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved runway maintenance when cleaning Air Force bases.
An Air Force base in the central U.S. was previously contracting out its rubber removal services, but the high costs and lack of flexibility made it unsustainable. Rubber removal, required every three to six months, was a significant expense due to the reliance on external contractors.
After switching to Avion50, the base began utilizing its own equipment and personnel for rubber removal, reducing costs and increasing operational flexibility. With Avion50, they no longer needed to rely on the availability of contractors and could schedule runway cleaning during optimal windows. The two million square foot runway could be cleaned in just 12 hours, dramatically reducing downtime and disruption to operations. This change allowed the base to save nearly half a million dollars annually while maximizing the value of their existing resources.
Foreign Deployment: Maximizing Transport Efficiency
A critical challenge for another Air Force base was transporting heavy rubber removal equipment to overseas locations. Previously, the base required two C-17 cargo planes to transport all the necessary tools for rubber removal, significantly straining valuable resources that were needed for conflict support.
By switching to Avion50, the base worked with the Air Force Research Lab to create a more portable solution. They designed a new rubber removal tool consisting of a steel and plastic snow broom, a high-capacity tank, and a spray rig, all mounted onto a single Bobcat Toolcat. This rig could be loaded onto a C-130 transport plane, drastically reducing the logistical burden.
During testing, this setup paired with Avion50 removed up to 95% of runway rubber in just six hours. This highly efficient solution allowed the base to quickly deploy the machine and reduce operational strain on cargo planes, ensuring that resources could be used for mission-critical tasks. The portability and speed of Avion50’s solution proved vital for remote deployments, making runway maintenance significantly easier in conflict zones.
Northwestern US: Multi-Use Equipment for Cleaning Air Force Bases Year-Round
In the cold, snowy climate of the Northwestern U.S., an Air Force base was already proficient in using snow removal equipment. The base sought to maximize the utility of this equipment by integrating rubber removal into their operations. Before working with Avion, the base was spending $100,000 annually on rubber removal, a considerable expense.
After implementing Avion50, the base was able to cut those costs down to $35,000 annually. They also maximized the use of their snow removal trucks by utilizing them for rubber removal during the off-season. This allowed them to train personnel year-round and maintain a high level of operational readiness. The base’s ability to use one truck for road maintenance, snow clearing, rubber removal, and perimeter security significantly increased efficiency. This was particularly important for handling large aircraft, like the KC-135 Strato-tankers, which deposit substantial rubber buildup with each landing.
Conclusion: The Advantages of Avion50 for Cleaning Air Force Runways
As a veteran-owned business, Avion50 is uniquely suited to meet the diverse challenges faced by Air Force bases when it comes to rubber removal. Its flexibility, portability, and cost-effectiveness allow bases to efficiently maintain runway surfaces, ensuring optimal safety and performance. Whether it’s reducing reliance on external contractors, streamlining transport logistics, or maximizing the use of existing equipment, Avion50 consistently delivers results.
The key benefits of using Avion50 for cleaning Air Force runways include:
- Cost Savings: By enabling bases to utilize existing resources and personnel, Avion50 reduces the need for external contractors and specialized equipment, cutting rubber removal costs.
- Operational Efficiency: The flexibility of using Avion50 with your own equipment and personnel allows for faster, more efficient runway cleaning, minimizing downtime and enabling bases to focus on mission-critical tasks.
- Portability: Avion50’s adaptable solutions are highly portable, making it easy to deploy in remote or conflict areas without straining transport resources.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Bases can maximize the use of existing equipment, such as snow removal trucks, making them useful for rubber removal and other maintenance tasks year-round.
By choosing Avion50, Air Force bases around the world can enhance runway safety, extend the lifespan of their airfields, and improve overall operational readiness. If you’re seeking a solution to the challenges of rubber buildup, Avion50 is the trusted partner you’re looking for when it comes to cleaning Air Force runways quickly and effectively.
Further Reading
Whole Building Design Guide: Unified Facilities Guide Specifications
AiirSource Military: Rubber Removal In Afghanistan