AM2 AIRFIELD MATTING FOR SATS

Expeditionary Airfields (EAFs) are mobile systems that enable the United States military to project airpowers worldwide. EAFs offer more flexibility in staging grounds, operations bases and campaign strategy. EAFs are composed of three integral systems - AM-2 Aluminum Matting, Portable Aircraft Arresting Gear and Marking (lighting) Systems. AM-2 matting is the base upon which the entire EAF system rests.
By the time of the Vietnam War, AM-2 Matting and EAFs were in full service with over 10 million square feet of matting in use. It was during this time that the use of AM-2 Matting was expanded from its traditional use in SATS (Short Airfield for Tactical Support) to include small helicopter pads (72 feet square) which could be constructed in otherwise unprepared areas. These small helicopter pads later evolved into landing pads for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) sites for non-helo aircraft with vertical flight capabilities.
Film digitization made possible through a generous donation from the Navy Seabee Foundation whose support enables the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum to preserve, protect, and share Seabee history.
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Film #: USNSM Film reel 1325 H264