Hooked on Safety
Runway Safe Defense (RWSD) designs, manufactures, and supports aircraft arresting systems for the military market. Our technology stops aircraft with or without an arresting hook. It works on fixed runways, forward operating bases, and expeditionary airstrips.
RWSD was established in 2024 as a subsidiary of Runway Safe Inc. (RWS), a global leader in aviation safety and controlled energy absorption with over 30 years of combined expertise. In 2020, RWS acquired the EMASMAX® division, extending its reach to demanding clients across five continents. Our first military contract was secured in 2018.
Runway Safe Defense at a glance:
- Fixed, mobile, and hookless EMAS solutions
- Manufactures to USAF drawings & specifications
- NCAGE and CAGE certified
- 100% success rate across 27 EMAS overruns
- Engineering, R&D, and lifecycle management in-house
Breakthrough Safety Technology. Delivered Worldwide.
RWSD’s team brings deep, real-world knowledge of controlled energy absorption to every program. We design and manufacture complete aircraft arresting system solutions, from fixed and mobile hook cable configurations to our proven EMAS technology for overrun protection.
Operating out of a 275,000 sq. ft. facility in Logan Township, NJ, RWSD supports global operations with a skilled workforce dedicated to engineering, R&D, and total lifecycle management.
Our Defense Solutions
BAK-12 Fixed Arresting System
The global standard in emergency recovery technology. The Runway Safe BAK-12 is the U.S. Air Force standard for aircraft recovery. This hydraulically actuated rotary friction energy absorber safely arrests hook-equipped aircraft during emergency landings or aborted take-offs, in permanent airfields or remote expeditionary environments.
The BAK-12 uses a velocity-sensitive braking philosophy. Brake pressure adjusts automatically based on aircraft weight, engagement speed, and off-center positioning, delivering a smooth, programmed stop tailored to specific aircraft weight ranges.
Max. arrest speed: 190 knots (352 kph). Certified to MIL-A-38202.
MAAS Mobile Aircraft Arresting System
The premier expeditionary recovery solution. As the standard mobile arresting gear for the U.S. Air Force, MAAS supports safe aircraft recovery on permanent runways, forward operating bases, and emergency airstrips.
Each MAAS unit is completely self-contained, storing all tools, hardware, and power units on-board for immediate operational readiness in any environment. Rapid Installation Kits allow a 10-minute setup on prepared concrete and under 45 minutes on soil. A single C-130 can transport a complete hook-cable system.
Certified to MIL-M-8090 (Mobility) and MIL-A-8421 (Transportability).
EMAS for Defense
Stops military aircraft, with or without an arresting hook. EMAS holds a 100% success rate across 27 aircraft overruns. Unlike hook cable systems, EMAS offers protection for both fighter jets and transport aircraft, making it a passive overrun solution compatible with fifth-generation aircraft.
The Engineered Material Arresting System decelerates an aircraft by crushing under the weight of its landing gear. Deceleration is predictable and controlled. Braking loads are concentrated within the main landing gear, protecting mission-critical components including antennas, pitot tubes, fuel probes, wing leading edges, and stealth coatings.
EMAS is accepted by the FAA, EASA, ICAO, MLIT (Japan), FOCA (Switzerland), and DGAC (France). An EMAS arrestor bed can reduce the 240-meter RESA requirement to 140 meters or less, a critical advantage for constrained military runways.
Certifications & Standards
Accepted by FAA, EASA, ICAO, MLIT (Japan), FOCA (Switzerland), and DGAC (France). NCAGE and CAGE certified. Manufactures to USAF drawings & specifications.