Friction Sweepers International (FSI) is a leading Australian company specialising in the design, development, and manufacturing of high-performance friction sweepers. The company engineers the most effective friction sweepers that deliver high levels of performance for the aviation, motorsports, and sports industries. As a global leader in friction sweeping technology, it prioritises innovation and customer-driven solutions.
FSI provides advanced sweeping solutions across multiple industries, including aviation (both military and commercial), motorsports, synthetic sports fields, athletics tracks, and golf courses. The company’s sweeping technology is trusted by major organisations, such as the US Air Force, global airlines and airports, NFL stadiums, leading US colleges, international athletic venues, and municipal governments, as well as premier racing circuits, including Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar.
Headquartered in Melbourne, FSI operates with a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. While all design and manufacturing processes are managed locally, select components are sourced from the USA to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Airfield foreign object debris clearance
Maintaining a foreign object debris (FOD)-free airfield is a crucial priority for aviation safety. Despite rigorous control measures, debris remains a constant challenge, posing risks such as aircraft damage, safety hazards, and operational disruptions. Even small objects, such as washers, screws or pavement fragments, can damage aircraft and lead to costly repairs or equipment failures.
Lose items, including ID badges, beverage containers, and maintenance tools, can endanger personnel and passengers if ingested into aircraft engines. FOD-related incidents can cause delays and operational disruptions, which impacts the overall airport efficiency and increases maintenance downtime.
Next-generation friction sweeping technology for airports
One of FSI’s flagship innovations is the FOD Commander, a state-of-the-art friction sweeper designed to solve the problem of FOD in airports and military airfields. FOD can be a serious threat to aircraft safety, as even the smallest amount of debris can cause significant damage. FOD removal solutions are therefore essential for safe airfield operations. The FOD Commander provides an unparalleled solution, offering efficiency, reliability, and ease of use in managing airfield cleanliness.
The FOD Commander ensures comprehensive debris removal across all airfield surfaces, effectively capturing everything, from tiny particles that could compromise aircraft integrity to larger hazards that pose major safety risks. Fully compliant with the US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards (AC No: 150/5210-24, Section 5.2.b. Non-Mechanical Systems), the FOD Commander is engineered for superior performance in high-stakes environments.
New developments in airport friction sweeper technology
FSI is dedicated to continuous improvement and actively integrates customer and distributor feedback into its product development. The FOD Commander is therefore fitted with advanced features to enhance its performance. Some of the latest developments include an enhanced dome mesh design, a bead and channel rail track system, upgraded side toggles, and durable mesh covers.
The FOD Commander is the only friction sweeper available that features an internally supported dome mesh with fiberglass batons. This innovative design improves FOD capture and simplifies maintenance access. A convenient zippered front makes it easier to remove large pieces of debris, without needing to dismantle the cover.
To replace the traditional Velcro seals, the FOD Commander now features the Keder System. Using a bead and channel rail track system, the Keder System provides a 100% secure seal to prevent even the smallest pieces of debris from escaping. The Keder system replaces Velcro, which is commonly used on all airport sweepers but can allow fine debris to escape. FSI is the first and only sweeper manufacturer to incorporate the Keder rail system into its sweepers. The advanced system is also easy to remove and reattach during maintenance.
The side toggles on the FOD Commander have also been upgraded and strengthened, making it easier and quicker to secure the mesh cover. This helps to improve FOD retention while also facilitating faster maintenance operations. The mesh covers used on the FOD Commander are durable and simple to remove and reinstall, without shrinking or warping, making maintenance easier and quicker.
With the FOD Commander, airports and military airfields can significantly enhance safety, reduce costly maintenance issues, and uphold the highest operational standards.
About Friction Sweepers International
With more than 27 years in the friction sweeping industry, founder Brook Tozer brings extensive expertise to FSI. Having started his career at Aerosweep, the pioneering company behind the first commercial FOD sweepers in the early 1990s, Brook launched FSI in 2018 to push the boundaries and applications of friction sweeping technology. By continuously refining its products, the company ensures superior quality and value. It prioritises customer feedback and keeping up to date with the latest advancements in the industry.
Friction Sweepers International is committed to delivering the best friction sweeping technology available to provide the safest and most efficient solutions.