The Vietnam War-era AM-2 aluminum mat is getting replaced by a new mat from ITAMCO. The new mat will utilize sheet or roll technology, resulting in less labor-intensive construction of portable airfields.
Airmen from the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron structure shop assemble AM-2 panels to simulate a helicopter pad during Polar Force 19-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 3, 2019. The structural craftsmen who are masons, carpenters, and metal fabricators train to maintain their war-time tasks which include rapid runway expansion. The Aluminum Martson Mat panels enable the Airmen to quickly create or expand hangar aprons, aircraft runways, roadways, parking lots and even flooring for temporary structures. Polar Force is a two-week exercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness, and develops the skills service members require to face adverse situations. (U.S. Air Force photo Erin Eaton)
The new mat uses Phase Transforming Cellular Matrix (PXCM) technology which will allow 5,000 landing and takeoff cycles over 60 days. PXCM allows the mat to heal itself as it can change from one stable configuration to another stable configuration and back again.
