Fixed-Wing Runway Design

Summary

Overview Runways are the primary operating surface at airfields and essential to fixed-wing aircraft operations. Fixed-wing runways are built in a variety of lengths, widths, and pavement types depending on a large number of factors, including: Aircraft Type (Operating Characteristics, Wingspan, Weight) Mission Number of Operations C-17 touchdown on runway Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service The primary reference describing requirements for DoD Fixed Wing Runways is Chapter 3 of UFC 3-260-01, Airfield and Heliport Planning and Design. Other special use runways (Landing Zones, STOVL Facilities and UAS runways) are defined in Chapters 7, 8 and 9 of the UFC. Each DoD Service classifies fixed-wing runways into two primary categories—Class A or Class B—depending primarily on the type(s) of aircraft using the runway. That classification drives many required construction features of the runway, including length, width, transverse slopes, and longitudinal grades. It should be noted that civilian runways are classified by a very different system, defined in Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 150/5300-13, Airport Design, with a classification system based on the critical aircraft's wingspan and landing approach speed. Fixed-wing runways are usually constructed with a rigid pavement surface (Portland cement concrete) or flexible pavement surface (asphalt cement concrete), but in special cases may be surfaced with compacted soil, aggregates, or segmented aluminum mats, depending on the mission requirements. Taxiways are used by aircraft to enter and exit a runway and transit to an aircraft parking position. Taxiways connect directly to runways, most often at the runway ends. In addition to the runway pavement surface, there are many ground surface areas immediately surrounding the runway that improve safety for the operating aircraft by limiting the risk of damage should an aircraft accidentally depart from the runway surface. Not only must ob...