Babcock accelerates delivery of new airfield surface mats to RAAF

Hundreds of heavy-duty composite mats, sourced under Babcock’s ADF Ground Support Equipment contract, will be included in the upcoming shipment. This follows a successful trial conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force in 2024.

The mats, known as Dura-Base, are made from high-density polyethylene and interlock to form a stable, durable surface. Requiring minimal ground preparation, they can be deployed swiftly across a range of terrains for immediate use as taxiways, aprons, or hardstands, says Babcock.

Richard Udall, managing director of mission and support systems at Babcock Australasia, said the partnership with JWA demonstrates Babcock’s commitment to delivering reliable, operational-ready solutions.

“Successfully partnering with our supply chain is paramount to delivering practical, theatre-ready products and services that ensure the safety and effectiveness of the defence forces we proudly serve,” Udall said.

This capability has become increasingly relevant as the ADF continues to pivot towards operations in Australia’s northern regions and across the broader Indo-Pacific.

Delivery of the matting will take place in collaboration with Babcock’s supply chain partner JWA Composite Matting, the Australian distributor of the US-manufactured product.

Dura-Base will serve as a modern alternative to AM2 aluminium matting, which has been in service with the RAAF since the 1960s.

The shipment is expected to arrive by mid-year.

Udall added: “By fostering a collaborative relationship with JWA and leveraging its cutting-edge technologies, we are able to equip our forces with the most advanced and reliable solutions to meet the ever-evolving challenges they face in the field.”

“Dura-Base helps create an agile combat environment by providing rapid load-bearing capability in hard-to-reach locations, while maintaining the mobility of personnel and assets.”

“Traditionally used in the oil and gas sector, this procurement reflects our focus on creating sustainable opportunities for our supply chain in the defence industry.”

Warren Pickering, sales and marketing manager at JWA Composite Matting, said Dura-Base performs well under pressure.

“Dura-Base consistently performs well in a variety of conditions and can be deployed quickly even in challenging scenarios. A team of three can typically install up to 900 square metres per day, making it ideal for time-critical missions and temporary deployments,” Pickering said.

“JWA is proud to partner with Babcock and apply our industrial experience to support ADF operations.”

A high-profile trial of the Dura-Base system took place in early 2024 at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory. The exercise involved constructing a 2,000-square-metre temporary apron in a matter of days.

Conducted by personnel from the RAAF’s 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron, in coordination with the United States Air Force, the two-week trial successfully tested the matting’s strength and suitability, culminating in a load test using a 75 Squadron F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter.