The Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS – NSN: 1710-01-549-9539) inclusive of BAK-12 is the U.S. Air Force’s aircraft arresting system used to rapidly slow down fighter jets in emergency situations. It uses two rotary friction brakes on opposite sides of a runway, connected by a belt or tape and cable which engage with a tail hook on the aircraft to safely decelerate it.
Key Advantages
• Proven across global military airbases
• Supports both emergency and routine engagements
• Compatible with fighter jets including F-16, F-15, F/A-18, and F-35
• Hydraulic friction-brake absorption ensures controlled deceleration
• Configurable for expeditionary or fixed installations
Typical System Specifications
System Type: Mobile Runway Cable Arresting System
Energy Absorption: Hydraulic Friction Brake
Energy Absorption Capacity (ft lbs. X10(6)/MJ): 125/170
Runout Distance: Typically, 800–1200 ft
Maximum engagement speed (kts): 190
Cable Height: Approx. 1.5–3.0 in
Primary Applications: Fighter emergency / controlled engagements
MAAS – Mobile Aircraft Arresting System
The MAAS configuration allows the BAK-12 system to be deployed rapidly in expeditionary or temporary airfield environments. The hydraulic absorber is mounted on a mobile trailer platform, enabling setup on a wide variety of surfaces without requiring permanent runway modification.
• Ideal for deployed, temporary, or remote air operations
Mobile System Advantages
• No permanent runway anchoring required
• Rapid crew assembly and relocation capability
• Supports same aircraft engagement profiles as fixed BAK-12
• Compatible with expeditionary arresting cables
Deployment Configuration Overview
A standard MAAS setup uses two trailer-mounted BAK-12 energy absorbers positioned on either side of an expeditionary runway. A steel aircraft arresting cable is spooled across the runway surface and tensioned appropriately to ensure proper engagement height.
Critical Safety Infrastructure
MAAS – Mobile Aircraft Arresting System represent critical safety infrastructure at military airfields worldwide, providing pilots with reliable emergency stopping capability. These sophisticated systems combine mechanical precision, hydraulic power, and electronic control to transform potentially catastrophic situations into controlled stops. Each component plays a vital role in the split-second sequence that brings aircraft to a safe halt during emergencies.
YouTube Video (click on image to view video)
MAAS – Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (BAK-12) Certification Engagement (F-18)
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The Support Equipment and Vehicles Division at Robins AFB, GA (AFLCMC/WNZ) had a requirement for an 8-year, firm-fixed price (FFP)/fixed price with economic price adjustment (FPEPA), requirements-type contract for the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS). The period of performance for this effort will be eight (8) years, consisting of a 2-year Basic and six (6) twelve (12) month annual options.
It was determined that this requirement involved items that have a Critical Safety item and/or Critical Item Application and therefore required sources be pre-qualified in order to propose. To be considered a qualified source, vendors were required to acquire a Source Approval Request (SAR).
FA853425D0014 Awarded Notice to Hydraulics International Inc.:
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Click on page to view FA853425D0014 Awarded Notice to Hydraulics International Inc
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The MAAS (NSN: 1710-01-549-9539) is a unique, military deployable asset developed as an expeditionary aircraft recovery system, which can be quickly set up and used to recover tactical aircraft at damaged runways or at installations where primary arresting systems are not in operation. The MAAS consists of two identical mobile units. Each unit houses one Barrier Arresting Kit (BAK)-12 rotary friction energy absorber. The mobile units (i.e. trailers) contain all the basic components of a fixed base arresting system and all the tools and hardware necessary for installation and removal. These units are capable of being transported over land, by sea and through the air.
This acquisition was a competitive, total small business set-aside utilizing trade-off source selection procedures in accordance with FAR 15.101-2 and 15.3 as supplemented by the DoD Source Selection Procedures (Aug 2022) referenced in DFARS 215.300 and the DAFFARS Mandatory Procedures 5315.3 to make an integrated assessment for a best value award decision. Tradeoffs may have been made between past performance and cost/price, with past performance being considered significantly more important than cost/price.
The place of performance for this contract will be at Hydraulics International Inc., Chatsworth, CA.
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