Scandinavian Airport and Road Systems (SARSYS) designs, manufactures and markets friction-measurement equipment for airports. Our team has specialised in the field of friction testing since the 1970s, and our experience has enabled us to design and build the SARSYS Surface Volvo friction tester (SVFT), SARSYS Surface friction tester (SFT), SARSYS Surface trailer friction tester (STFT) and the SARSYS Surface friction tester transporter.
SARSYS also provides the highest degree of service and availability of spares in the market, providing the customer with a long lasting and safe operation.
SARSYS Surface Volvo Friction Tester (SVFT)
The SARSYS Surface Volvo friction tester (SVFT) is a Volvo V70 car combined with a system designed for measuring friction on airport runways, taxiways and highways. The system operates via a measuring wheel, mechanically geared to one of the rear wheels of the base car.
Friction against the runway surface, in combination with the vertical load on the measuring wheel, creates forces on the measuring wheel mechanism. Signals from the sensor system are then processed in the SVFTs computer system.
By processing these signals, the computer continuously calculates the friction coefficient, the friction number and the relation between the horizontal and vertical forces acting on the measuring wheel. The computer in the SVFT is pre-programmed to measure and report runway friction in accordance with standards and regulations issued by ICAO, FAA, etc.
The result is then shown on the screen in a colour graph or as diagrams and figures that can be printed out. The data can also be transmitted to other receivers by means of radio link or PC-USB.
Test and approvals:
- Swedish Civil Aviation Authority, Swedish Transport Agency
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- CE-certified (2006/42/EC)
- Listed by ICAO
SARSYS Surface Friction Tester Transporter (SFTT)
The SARSYS Surface Friction Tester Transporter (SVFT) is a Volkswagen Transporter van combined with an installed system designed for measuring friction on airports runways, taxiways and highways. The system operates via a measuring wheel, mechanically geared to one of the rear wheels of the base van.
Signals are then measured and processed in the same way as the SFTT car, with the results shown on-screen and calibrated in to diagrams and figures for print-out.
The self-watering system is equipped with an extra large water tank, for measuring 10,000m without re-filling the water. The large, open space in the back of the car has room for other systems that can be used in connection with runway inspection.
The measuring system is identical to the system build into the SARSYS Surface Friction Tester (SFT).
Test and approvals:
- Swedish Civil Aviation Authority, Swedish Transport Agency
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Listed by ICAO
SARSYS Surface Trailer Friction Tester (STFT)
The SARSYS Surface Trailer Friction Trailer (STFT) is a trailer with a built-in friction measurement system. The measuring system is identical to the system build into the SARSYS Surface Friction Tester (SFT).
The STFT is designed for an extreme long -lasting operational lifetime. The frame is manufactured in stainless / acid-proof steel and designed as a water tank with a volume of 560l, which gives a measuring distance of 7,000m. There is no need for any extra installations to carry out measurement with water as all systems are standard in the STFT. The single axle has a rubber torsion suspension for low maintenance cost and long lifetime.
Tests and approvals:
- Swedish National Road and Research Institute
- Swedish Civil Aviation Authority
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Listed by CAP 683
- Listed by ICAO
Runway friction-measuring computer system
The computer system (STMC) for SARSYS Surface friction testers (SVFT, SFTT and STFT) comprises the following components:
- Measuring computer
- Rugged Touchscreen laptop
- Wireless or wired connection
- Preamplifier – measurement computer
The touchscreen measuring computer processes the signals from the sensors, and controls the measuring procedures in accordance with the pre-programmed measuring modes. The computer is controlled either with the buttons on the touchscreen (in the SFT) or with keys on the cars steering wheel, eliminating the need for the operator to take hands from the steering wheel. The touchscreen is normally attached to a bracket close to the operator.
ICAO and FAA runway measuring programmes
The SVFT, SFTT and STFT computer is pre-programmed for complete measurements in accordance with ICAO and FAA regulations as basic measuring modes.
Performing a complete measuring run in both directions on each line of the centreline, the SVFT, SFTT and STFT computer divides the runway in thirds and calculates the average friction number for each third, based on both runs. In addition, the measuring speed is presented in diagram form. Average friction is calculated for a distance which can be selected.