RAF Northolt has become the first UK airfield to use a robotic airfield grass mower as a sustainable solution to helping maintain airfield safety.
Did you know that the optimum airfield cut is 150mm? The length of the grass on airfields is an important component of maintaining airfield safety as long grass attracts wildlife which presents a hazard to aircraft.
The new “Robo Mowers” are much more energy efficient than traditional grass cutters required for large areas such as airfields. The trial mowers also include a solar charging feature which further increases their energy performance credentials.
The initiative is a UK first and is being led by Squadron Leader Bates from No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, who saw a fleet of airfield robotic mowers being used at Stavanger Airport in Norway and brought the idea back to RAF Northolt, his home base.
To bring the project to fruition he worked with the senior air traffic control officer at RAF Northolt, Squadron Leader Eames, who oversees the airfield.
After negotiations with robotics companies, he obtained a GPS Robo Mower to conduct a 12-month trial.
“A phased trial period is required to monitor and maintain safety. Phase 1 is to operate in and around the air traffic control tower where it can be monitored.”
Squadron Leader Eames
The heavy duty Robo Mower weighs around 80 kgs; is fully GPS enabled; has a temperature-controlled operating system and is powered using either a solar panel or mains. Even on the soggiest of days, the mower can operate when normal tractor mowers would not be able to.
“It’s been a great journey from seeing the initial concept to receiving our very own Robo Mower here at RAF Northolt, it was a very proud day for me. This trial is an extremely important part of the journey to making the RAF’s airfields more sustainable and safer.”
Squadron Leader Bates
Speaking at the launch
“This initiative has the capacity to improve the quality of the airfield habitat while deterring wildlife. This should improve the safety for flying operations and I’m excited about the future use of Robo Mowers at RAF Northolt, and potentially on our other airfields.”
Squadron Leader Eames