Jet blast resistant vehicle arresting blocks, beds and methods

摘要

Aircraft arresting beds (10) constructed of cellular concrete at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units resistant to such effects are described. A block of compressible material (12), such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft overrunning a runway. A top sheet (14) of relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material (16), such as a foam layer, under the top sheet may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A wrapping (18), such as polyester net, at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit. Arresting units may also include a bottom layer (20) of material stronger than the block of compressible material and a sealant coating with water resistant properties.