Runway Friction Tester RFT
The Runway Friction Tester (RFT) by Dynatest is a precise and reliable Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME) specifically designed to measure coefficients of friction (μ) on airport runways.
The RFT serves both functional (maintenance) and operational testing purposes, allowing evaluation of surface friction, including changes caused by weather contaminants and rubber contamination. It performs operational friction testing even under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, ice, slush, or snow.
This fully instrumented pickup truck, available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations, features a Dynatest Two-Axis Force Transducer mounted on a retractable fifth wheel assembly. The test assembly provides real-time measurements of vertical load and horizontal tractive force. The RFT complies with all FAA and ICAO specifications for friction measuring devices and is listed in the approved device lists of FAA AC 150/5320-12 and the ICAO Airport Services Manual.
The system electronics include a user-friendly Windows® software operated through a laptop computer and an inkjet printer. The software allows operators to control the test procedure, including test speed, self-wetting or dry testing, test method (FAA or ICAO), test type (manual or automatic), and the ability to annotate airfield test conditions for future reference.
Key Features:
- Data presented in either ICAO or FAA format, with storage of all data in ASCII format.
- Stored data includes raw load and traction data, speed, water flow, optional GPS coordinates, air temperature, pavement temperature, and texture (Mean Profile Depth – MPD) data.
- Friction numbers can be printed at desired intervals (e.g., every foot, meter).
- Real-time display of μ data and speed during tests on both the laptop computer and the dash-mounted information display.
- Equipped with an industry-leading 300 U.S. gallon (1200 liter) built-in, baffled water tank, positive displacement water pump, and laminar flow water nozzle for self-wetting testing of extensive runway sections without refilling.
- Customisable options for larger water tank sizes are available upon request.