Aviation facilities in NJ

Elevated Fixed Platform

Lakehurst, NJ

The height of the EFP deck provides a change in ground effect as the aircraft transitions over the platform, resulting in true flight characteristics. Aircraft having gross weights of up to 90,000 pounds can be landed at 2.67 G’s. This is the only site in the world for evaluating RAST equipment and operational procedures.

Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) Test Site

Lakehurst, NJ

The orientation of aircraft carrier catapults requires that the hot exhaust gases of the jet aircraft turning up to full power during launch operations are deflected so as not to cause heat and blast damage to other aircraft, equipment, and personnel on the flight deck. The JBD, which consists of a series of water cooled panels, achieves this purpose. In the flush deck position, it allows an aircraft to be taxied over it and into launch position. As soon as the aircraft is forward of the JBD, the operator actuates the hydraulic system to raise the JBD for aircraft turn up.

Runway Arrested Landing Site

Lakehurst, NJ

Over 3,000 feet of runway are available to build up speed while the aircraft remains on the runway with over 8,000 feet after the arresting gear. This provides RALS with the unique ability to make both high-speed ground roll-in arrestments and fly-in arrestments. The roll-in process is especially useful because it allows safe, repeatable test conditions. If the aircraft should bolter (miss the arresting gear wire), there are 7,000 feet of runway in which the aircraft can either take off or come to a safe stop.

Support Equipment Staging Warehouse

Lakehurst, NJ

Encompasses 127,500 sq. ft. receiving and staging newly acquired SE, ALRE and aviation equipment for fleet initial outfitting. Items are bar-coded and recorded for fleet visibility. It provides an area for Engineering Investigations (EI) and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) development

Westfield Airfield

Lakehurst, NJ