Upgrade of an Australian Defense Airfield for the Introduction of Code E. Aircraft

You are here: Homepage > Search

Upgrade of an Australian Defense Airfield for the Introduction of Code E. Aircraft

White, G. W. / McCullagh, P. J.

RAAF Base Amberley is a Department of Defense (Defense) airfield located about one hour west of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It is currently the home of the Royal Australian Air Force's F111 fleet. The airfield provides a runway which is 3,050m in length with a Pavement Classification Number of 65/F/C/1750(254 PSI)/T and generally meets the requirements for a Code D airfield. With the Australian Government announcing the acquisition of four to eight A330-200 aircraft to provide a combined air-to-air refueling and heavy lift capability, the airfield was to be upgraded as the proposed home-base for this new aircraft. The A330-200 is a Code E aircraft with an Aircraft Classification Number of up to 79/F/C. The design of the upgrade of parts of this airfield from Code D to Code E aircraft capability is presented. Specific issues addressed include the design of new flexible and rigid pavements, as well as the evaluation and upgrade requirement determination for the existing rigid and new pavements. Both strength increase and widening of pavements are considered for the existing runway and taxiways, as well as designing for the minimization of disruption and for continued airfield operations.