Argentine Air Force tenders sweeping mats for F-16 Fighting Falcon runways

The Argentine Air Force has launched a private tender to procure runway-cleaning sweeping mats for aerodromes. This acquisition is unsurprising, as it is linked to the imminent arrival of the new F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. Operating these aircraft requires a range of precautions, including preventing foreign object damage, or FOD.

👉 Read also: SIMA prepares to launch the first BALOG vessel built in partnership with HD HHI for the Peruvian Navy

Sweeping mats for Argentine Air Force F-16 operations

The technical specifications show that the Argentine Air Force intends to purchase six single RZR-8 sweeping-mat systems, six DPLX-1 double systems, and 18 maintenance kits. Although this may appear to be a minor procurement at first glance, greater attention to FOD is one of many areas the Air Force will need to adopt with the arrival of the F-16 fighters, as it is not currently a systematic practice.

Sweeping mats such as the RZR-8 and DPLX-1 are designed to collect debris quickly. Lightweight in design, these friction sweepers provide an effective, efficient and easily deployed means of preventing FOD affecting military aircraft. They can be attached to vehicles such as pick-up trucks or ultra-light vehicles, enabling them to cover the extensive areas of flight aprons and runways.

FOD prevention on airfields

📌 You may also be interested in: - F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters could take part in the Argentine Air Force Day air parade in Morón - The Brazilian Army plans to invest R$ 300 million to replenish rocket stocks for its ASTROS systems

FOD is not treated lightly; the United States Air Force provides a clear example of the strict regulations that remain in force. For instance, the guidelines established by the 354th Fighter Wing in 2024 state: “...All personnel will implement and enforce the concept of ‘Continuous Cleanliness’ while carrying out their official duties on the flight line. It is also the responsibility of all personnel to implement foreign object damage (FOD) prevention techniques while performing duties on the flight line. Any unit required to drive or work on the flight line will establish and maintain an effective FOD prevention programme...”

“...The high cost of equipment damage and injuries to USAF personnel requires all commanders and supervisors to comply strictly with foreign object damage (FOD) prevention directives. Eliminating foreign objects (FO) is the first step in FOD prevention...”, the document adds.

Preventive FOD measures range from strict monitoring of vehicles entering the flight line to vigilance by every member of staff accessing aprons and aircraft, as well as inspections of all kinds and the familiar FOD Walks. The latter involves a “shoulder-to-shoulder” walk to search for foreign objects, usually carried out hours before the first take-off in parking areas, hangar spaces and adjacent taxiways.

Organisational change with the F-16 Fighting Falcon

The introduction of F-16 fighters into the Argentine Air Force will not only restore and add capabilities; it will also require a profound change to the organisation’s culture. This will span significant doctrinal issues through to matters that may appear minor, but which can ground an aircraft in which tens of millions of dollars have been invested, as is the case with FOD.

Illustrative cover image. Credits: US ANG – Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier