Dura-Base Supports World-First Defence Trial at RAAF Base Tindal

A major milestone for Dura-Base in Australia

JWA Composite Matting is proud to share the successful use of Dura-Base composite matting during Exercise Bronze Croc 26 at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The trial saw Australian and United States military personnel construct a temporary aircraft movement surface using Dura-Base mats. The surface was then used by a P-8A Poseidon, marking a world-first assessment of this type of aircraft movement capability using Dura-Base matting.

The project demonstrated how rapidly deployable matting can help create a stable surface in challenging conditions where traditional ground preparation may not be practical.

A temporary taxiway built in around 12 hours

One of the key achievements of the trial was the speed at which the temporary surface was delivered.

Following a change in the planned location, the engineering team redirected to a new site and constructed the temporary apron in approximately 12 hours. The work was completed without ground preparation, before the P-8A Poseidon was successfully moved across the Dura-Base surface.

This was an important demonstration of the flexibility that temporary composite matting can provide when access requirements change quickly.

Supporting aircraft movement in challenging conditions

Military operations and exercises can require temporary access and working surfaces in locations where permanent infrastructure is unavailable or unsuitable.

During Exercise Bronze Croc 26, Dura-Base was used to create an expedient aircraft movement surface at RAAF Base Tindal. The successful assessment showed the potential for the system to support aircraft movement in austere environments.

The trial involved personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force, US Marine Corps, US Navy and US Air Force, who worked together to plan, construct and assess the temporary surface.

Building on previous defence testing

The P-8A trial follows earlier defence testing involving Dura-Base in Australia.

The Royal Australian Air Force had previously achieved a world-first milestone involving the operation of a fifth-generation fighter over Dura-Base matting. The latest P-8A assessment adds another significant result and provides further information on how composite matting may be used for flexible airfield applications.

JWA has also supported defence-related applications of Dura-Base, including tank trials where the mats were tested under the heavy loading and abrasive tracks of military vehicles.

What does this mean for temporary access and ground protection?

The successful trial highlights several important advantages of a temporary composite matting system:

• Rapid installation where time is critical

• A temporary surface that can be removed after use

• Reduced reliance on traditional ground preparation

• Support for heavy vehicle and equipment movement

• Use across difficult or sensitive ground conditions

• Flexibility when project or operational requirements change

For defence, infrastructure, resources and other demanding projects, having a temporary surface that can be installed and removed as required can provide greater flexibility when working conditions change.

JWA Composite Matting supporting Dura-Base across Australia

JWA Composite Matting is proud to proud to be the exclusive distributor of Dura-Base applications across Australia. NPK International, the manufacturer of Dura-Base, recognised JWA's role in supporting the Australian market and the successful defence trial. 

Established in 2003, JWA provides composite matting solutions for construction, resources, infrastructure, utilities, renewables and other demanding applications across Australia. The company offers matting for hire and sale, along with installation, removal, cleaning and repair services.

The Exercise Bronze Croc 26 trial is another strong example of how temporary composite matting can be used where reliable ground access and rapid deployment are essential.

To learn more about Dura-Base mats or discuss a temporary access requirement for your project, contact JWA Composite Matting.