Unmanned Rapid
Airfield Damage Repair
Technologies
Improved Soldier Safety with Autonomous Airfield Damage Repair
The unpredictable nature of humanitarian and wartime response/recovery requires military operations to rapidly adapt to unforeseen challenges. Traditional airfield damage repair methods require several construction vehicles, as well as multiple highly skilled, cross-trained teams to operate them. Deploying and maintaining such large, specialized equipment can be challenging and costly, especially in austere and remote areas.
ULC Technologies has developed an Unmanned Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (UM-RADR) platform, capable of performing autonomous airfield damage repair using ARK. This tracked robotic solution will improve airfield personnel safety and increase repair operation efficiency overall.
In accordance with DFARS 212.70, the UM-RADR concept qualifies for Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) status and is eligible to proceed into contracting with interested DoD partners.
Key Benefits
Enhanced Safety
Utilizing an unmanned robotic platform, airfield personnel are kept at a safe distance from hostile environments during active threats.
Increased Efficiency
The deployment of robotics reduces the operational footprint, enhancing agile combat capabilities with less equipment and personnel on-site.
Reliability
RADR provides predictable and reliable operation 24/7, even through extreme weather conditions.
Remote Management
This system offers multi-level remote management and monitoring of repair operations.
Workflow Integration
RADR can be easily integrated with existing UAV surveillance operations, enabling a fully automated workflow.
Rapid Airfield Damage Repair
How It Works
Once the damage assessment is completed (through UAS solutions or survey) the UM-RADR system autonomously navigates past any obstacles to the programmed coordinates of the designated spalls and performs a volumetric assessment of the spall size before beginning the autonomous refill and repair operation. The figures below depict each step in the refill and repair operation:
Step 1:
Debris is pushed into the spall
Step 2:
The spall is then coated with water
Step 3:
RADR then applies ARK to the spall
Step 4:
Apply 2-inch lift with local aggregate
Step 5:
Second round of ARK is then applied
Step 6:
Lastly, tamp area and allow to cure
What is ARK?
Both selected for the US Air Force AFWERX Basing of the Future 2024 Showcase, ULC collaborated with Group IQ and their ARK APR-Lite solution. ARK uses local water and indigenous aggregate materials to repair warehouse areas, backfill, and cap spalls. It’s a 3-step smart liquid used to rejuvenate damaged areas, precondition the surface, and last as a permanent binder.
- It’s a Super Glue for asphalt and concrete rapid repairs
- It’s durable, easy to use, and 7-13x less expensive than current products used by the military
- When combined with water and local aggregate fillers, it’s ideal for remote and austere locations, staging areas on unimproved dirt or gravel surfaces
In accordance with DFARS 212.70, the UM-RADR concept qualifies for Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) status.
Interested in working with us? Connect with our team to learn more about this technology and other opportunities.
Project Partners
ULC Technologies
ULC Technologies works with leading utility and energy companies to develop and deploy robotic systems, inspection systems, machine learning and technology that helps reduce public disruption, minimizes environmental impact and improves safety.
Group IQ
Group IQ LLC aims to create a safer and better community by cost-effectively improving the quality of repairs on streets and other public areas with the invention and manufacturing of Advanced Preservation & Repair (APR®) products for asphalt and concrete maintenance. They have a global headquarters in California, with manufacturing facilities in the Midwest and field offices in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Leading Innovation. Driving Results.
ULC Technologies develops and deploys robotic systems, smart artificial intelligence processes, and innovative inspection technology for the energy, utility, renewables and industrial sectors.
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