Airport Runway Cleaner ARC 1600®
Due to the larger working widths, this airport runway rubber removal machine provides a higher performance than the ARC 1000®.
The system is built on a compact 3-axle chassis.
Our systems are equipped with a most sufficient lighting system for operation at night. Here you see the rubber removal machine on a cleaning mission on a grooved asphalt runway which is a most sensible surface.
One of the most striking features of our rubber removal machines is the efficient and clean installation of the stainless steel booster line with a huge, final water filter and a filter inlay of 1 or 0.45 micron.
All settings and all controls can be managed by one central control board – a 12” flat screen monitor with touchscreen function
Airport Runway Cleaner ARC 1600® – High-Capacity Runway Rubber Removal System
The ARC 1600® is a high-performance waterblasting truck developed for professional runway rubber removal, marking removal and large-scale surface preparation.
With its working width and powerful ultra-high-pressure water technology, the ARC 1600® delivers significantly higher productivity than smaller runway cleaning systems while maintaining precise and safe cleaning performance. Designed for airports, aviation maintenance contractors and infrastructure operators, the ARC 1600® combines advanced hydroblasting technology with a compact 3 or 4-axle chassis for maximum maneuverability and operational efficiency in demanding airport environments.
Professional Runway Rubber Removal Technology
Aircraft landing operations continuously generate rubber deposits in the touchdown zones of airport runways. Over time, these rubber layers reduce runway friction and negatively affect aircraft braking performance, especially during wet weather conditions.
The ARC 1600® uses ultra-high-pressure waterblasting technology to efficiently remove:
- Runway rubber deposits
- Paint markings
- Embedded contaminants
- Surface pollution like oil, algae or moss
- Worn pavement layers for retexturing
Unlike abrasive blasting systems, the ARC 1600® removes rubber and contamination using only water, minimizing pavement damage while restoring optimal runway friction values and operational safety.
Increased Cleaning Performance for Large Airports
Due to its larger 1,600 mm working width and dual cleaning head configuration, the ARC 1600® provides substantially higher cleaning capacity than the ARC 1000®. The system achieves average runway rubber removal rates of up to 2,000 m² per hour, making it ideal for:
- International airports
- Military airbases
- High-traffic runways
- Large-scale pavement maintenance projects
- Airport contractors requiring maximum efficiency
The adjustable nozzle rotation speed and variable operating speed allow operators to precisely adapt cleaning intensity to runway conditions and contamination levels.
Intelligent Hydroblasting System Design
One of the defining features of the ARC 1600® is its intelligent system integration and operator-focused design. All operational parameters are controlled through a centralized 12-inch touchscreen interface, allowing intuitive adjustment and monitoring of:
- High-pressure pump performance
- Nozzle rotation speed
- Cleaning width
- Vehicle operating speed
- Water system controls
The system also features an advanced stainless-steel booster line and high-capacity filtration system with filter inserts down to 0.45 micron, ensuring reliable long-term operation and optimal water quality for sensitive runway cleaning applications.
Environmentally Friendly
SMETS Technology specializes in sustainable maintenance technologies. The ARC 1600® performs runway cleaning and rubber removal without chemicals or abrasive media, using only the force of ultra-high-pressure water.
By integrating fully electric truck platforms such as the Volvo FM Electric, SMETS Technology can now deliver fully electric hydroblasting systems with zero local emissions. This innovative solution combines ultra-high-pressure waterblasting performance with modern electric mobility technology, helping customers significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining professional cleaning efficiency.
In partnership with Econetix, SMETS Technology can also offer CO₂-neutral diesel-powered hydroblasting trucks. Through certified carbon offset programs, emissions generated during:
- Vehicle manufacturing
- Up to 10 years of operation
- End-of-life disposal
can be fully compensated.
Compared to traditional blasting or resurfacing methods, hydroblasting technology offers:
- Reduced environmental impact
- Lower waste generation
- Lower operational costs
- Reduced pavement damage
- Lower carbon footprint
- Longer pavement life cycles
The system can also be combined with advanced water recycling solutions to further reduce fresh water consumption and wastewater disposal costs.
Proven Worldwide Performance
SMETS Technology runway maintenance systems are used worldwide across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Customer testimonials highlight the system’s:
- High cleaning efficiency
- Reliable operation
- Excellent runway surface quality
- Low after-sales maintenance costs
- Long-term durability
Operators worldwide value the ARC product family for its precision, reliability and professional performance in demanding airport environments.
Applications of the ARC 1600®
Typical applications include:
- Airport runway rubber removal
- Runway retexturing
- Airfield marking removal
- Surface roughening
- Airport pavement cleaning
- Industrial surface preparation
- High-performance hydroblasting operations
The ARC 1600® is part of the SMETS Technology ARC product family, developed for professional runway and roadway maintenance applications worldwide.
Design and Performances ARC1600®
01
Max. Working Width
1.600 mm
Note: Lower working width is available by installation of less nozzles in the 2 of 800 mm cleaning heads
02
Max. High Pressure Performance
2.500 / 3.000 bar
03
TANK VOLUME
17 m³
04
Max. Pump Performance
53 l / min
Note: Technical performance limit of the most powerful pump. Other pumps available as per customer request.
05
Speed during operation
3 – 80 m/min (0.18 – 4.80 km/h)
steplessly adjustable
06
Rotation of nozzles
0 – 2.500 rpm
steplessly adjustable
07
Rubber Removal Performance
Low layer removal (up to 2 mm): 2,800 – 3,750 m²/h
Middle layer removal (up to 4 mm): 1,500 – 2,100 m²/h
High layer removal (over 5 mm): 900 – 1,100 m²/h
08
Linear Paint Removal Performance
3,400 – 5,400* linear m/h
* Applicable for 1 layer of paint (standard thickness of 0.8 mm).
09
Thermoplastic Removal Performance
2,700 – 4,600 linear m/h
Thermoplastic spray removal (up to 0.8 mm)
Thermoplastic flat line removal (up to 5 mm)
Thermoplastic dot line removal (up to 5 mm)
10
Possible Cleaning Options
9
