Establishing reliable correlation between ground vehicle friction measurements and aircraft braking performance. Accomplishing these objectives would not only give airport operators a better way to evaluate runway friction and maintain acceptable operating conditions, but would also contribute to reducing traction-related aircraft accidents. The test aircraft have included the Canadian National Research Council's Falcon 20, the FAA's B727, a deHavilland Dash 8, and NASA's B737 and B757. The friction-measuring ground devices have come from a number of international partners. Artificially flooded Loose and compacted snow Smooth and rough ice Sanded and chemically treated ice Slush Researchers also took manual measurements to monitor conditions before and after a test run series.
Researchers take measurements before aircraft and ground vehicles conduct their runway tests.
An IRFI methodology standard that defines procedure and accuracy requirements is under review for approval by an ASTM committee. Falcon 20, Dash 8, and B757 aircraft tests at North Bay, Ontario, and Sawyer Airport, Gwinn, Michigan. Ground vehicle tests during annual NASA Wallops Flight Facility workshop in Virginia and at a special test track in Oslo, Norway. The overall results from this program will increase aircraft safety and the capacity of airports where winter conditions are severe. Some of the results and test procedures may also apply to highway safety.