Rola-Trac is currently producing a plastic, transportable landing surface which, among other applications, can be used to provide a solid site for helicopter landings.

The product, which was successfully tested in July 2000, consists of metre-wide sections secured with steel pegs. During the tests, a Sikorsky S76A+ helicopter made three landings with the wheel brakes applied, and also hovered above the Supa-Trac to test for disturbances.

Since then, reports managing director Fergus Adern, a helicopter charter company has used the product for a corporate launch in the UK. “There were a lot of helicopters coming in for the launch of a new washing machine, in total 11 aircraft ferrying vips in and out of the factory. At one point, two helicopters arrived at once, and one pilot was only able to get his rear runners onto the helipad. The front runners sank into the muddy grass,” said Adern. “It was greatly appreciated that our helipad was there.”

Meanwhile, the Spanish wing of the company has provided a helipad at a film set in Morocco. Rola-Tec both sells and hires out Supa-Trac.

Outraged by EBAN’s suggestion that it seemed to be a straightforward product, Adern said: “There’s nothing simple about. There are massive problems in creating a structure out of plastic that can stick to the ground under this kind of weight. The project was full of compromises and the panel has to be jointed in certain ways. Because the product is made for vehicles as well, there is the health and safety issue for pedestrians nearby. It was a really interesting project.”

Supa-Trac is exported to Australia, where it was featured at the Australian Air Show in February.

The company is also courting military interest.