Landingsand

Landingsand is an engineered granular material used to create temporary or semi-permanent landing surfaces for light aircraft, helicopters with skid gear, and unmanned aerial systems in off-airport or disaster-response contexts. It is typically deployed where a rigid, level pad is not available, and it is distinguished from natural sand by its controlled grain-size distribution and binding system.

Landingsand combines silica or quartz sand graded to predominantly 0.25–1.5 mm with a binder system, which may be cementitious (portland cement) or polymer-based, and sometimes reinforced with geosynthetic fibers or a defined binder-to-sand ratio. The material is designed to achieve a stable, cohesive pad after compaction, with permeability to reduce water pooling and a surface roughness that minimizes wheel slip on landing and takeoff.

Manufacture and deployment involve delivering the material in bulk or in pre-mixed bags to project sites. The pad is prepared by clearing debris and leveling, then spreading the sand in lifts of roughly 100–200 mm and compacting with a roller or plate compactor until the target bearing strength is reached. Curing times vary with binder type and environmental conditions.

Applications include emergency airstrips in remote areas, humanitarian relief operations, military field use, and drone logistics. Advantages include rapid deployment, lower capital cost than paved runways, and potential for reuse. Limitations include sensitivity to weather, risk of erosion or rutting, lower load-bearing capacity than rigid pavement, and environmental considerations in sourcing and site disturbance.

Maintenance involves regular inspection for rutting, moisture, and surface contamination, with re-leveling and re-compaction as needed. Removal and reuse are possible, and duties include dust control and site rehabilitation after use.