Airport Runway Rubber Removal Vehicles – Advanced Solution from SMETS Technology™ GmbH

Why Are Runway Rubber Removal Vehicles Essential?

During every aircraft landing, the tires generate extreme heat and friction against the runway surface, leaving behind a layer of rubber deposits. Over time, these rubber marks significantly reduce surface friction, increasing the risk of hydroplaning, compromising flight safety, and raising maintenance costs.

To address this critical challenge, SMETS Technology™ GmbH (Germany) has developed the ARC – Airport Runway Cleaner series. These vehicles apply ultra-high-pressure water jetting combined with advanced vacuum technology, ensuring effective rubber removal while preserving runway markings, lights, and pavement structure.

Key Features of SMETS ARC Technology

• Surface-friendly cleaning: Rotating water jets at speeds up to 400 km/h, using only 1.4 liters of water per m², efficiently remove rubber deposits without damaging markings, lights, or asphalt/concrete.
• Durable nozzles: Hardened steel nozzles with a service life of 75–100 hours—3 to 5 times longer than many conventional systems.
• Efficient suction system: Equipped with an industrial-grade impeller fan requiring no maintenance, unlike traditional vacuum pumps.
• Large-capacity tanks for continuous operation: Stainless-steel clean and waste water tanks with the largest capacity in the market, enabling up to 4 hours of uninterrupted cleaning.
• Smart control system: Touchscreen operation from the driver’s cabin, with real-time data logging and GPS-based reporting.

Popular SMETS ARC Models

Pan Trading JSC is the official distributor of SMETS Technology in Vietnam, focusing on three main ARC models:

• ARC 1000 – Compact and efficient, ideal for small and medium-sized airports.
• ARC 1600 – A balanced model, combining cleaning performance and coverage, suited for commercial airports.
• ARC 2400 – The high-capacity solution with an extra-wide working width, designed for major international airports with intensive flight operations.

Conclusion

The SMETS ARC Airport Runway Cleaner represents a cutting-edge, safe, and sustainable solution for maintaining clean, high-friction runways. By ensuring optimal landing conditions and extending pavement life, these vehicles play a vital role in aviation safety.

Through its strategic partnership with SMETS Technology™ GmbH, Pan Trading JSC is proud to bring world-class, German-engineered equipment and professional after-sales service to the Vietnamese aviation sector.