The cycle of protection
Maximising the flying life of a fleet of Super Hornet planes requires much more than just an obligatory hose-down on the runway. These superb Australian strike-force fighters require high quality water to meet Boeing specifications each time they are cleaned to minimise corrosion and remove contamination such as salt, dirt and gas residue. SAS designed, supplied and installed a water recycling treatment plant that would not only conserve our precious water resources, but in turn ensure that our fighter planes stay in top-flight condition – standing by to protect Australian communities when needed.
A dual membrane procedure ensures that the rainwater is transformed into usable Boeing quality water within just minutes. Today, each Super Hornet plane is washed with 75% recycled water, with an underground rainwater collection tank on site to provide the remainder. The water used in this process is recycled and reused for further treatment and the cycle of protection begins all over again.
Planning for the future
As Australia’s largest Air Force base, Amberley employs over 5,000 people and has been in operation since 1940. Home to an intelligent and skilled workforce, these respected military professionals work tirelessly each day to protect our Australian communities, whether they are providing combat support, repairing aircraft or conducting research to fulfil government objectives. With the current wash bay facility undersized – and an onsite sewage treatment plant already at full capacity – Amberley needed an innovative solution to keep the Super Hornet planes flying for longer in top gun condition. A collaboration was required that held a shared strategic direction, mutual environmental goals and a desire to protect the community and mitigate risk. Offering extensive experience and insight, SAS proved the ideal pairing to translate Amberley’s vision into reality.
The SAS Water Solution
