First in Japan! Safety measures for runway center line using phosphorescent coating at Yakushima Airport

First attempt in Japan!
Safety measures for runway center line using luminescent paint implemented at Yakushima Airport

The High Luminance Luminous Paint Promotion Association (RMPA*), based in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and, in collaboration with Kagoshima Prefecture, applied high luminance phosphorescent paint to the center line of the runway at Yakushima Airport. . This resulted in the birth of Japan's first runway safety measure that utilizes phosphorescence technology. The success of this technology is expected to lead to the widespread use of phosphorescent paint in airports and disaster prevention measures across the country.

*RMPA: Abbreviation for Relief Marking Promotion Association. (Patent pending)

Improving safety through luminescent coating: Construction background and results at Yakushima Airport

Yakushima Airport is experiencing an increase in the number of night flights due to increased tourism demand. However, airlines have requested safety measures because LED lighting is not installed on the center line of the runway. In response, Kagoshima Prefecture began working with the RMPA in January 2023 to consider runway safety measures using phosphorescent coatings.

A pilot trial was conducted in March 2023, and full-scale construction began in September 2024 after it was confirmed that it could be seen from approximately 1 km in the air. This greatly improved night visibility of the runway centerline and ensured airport safety.

What is phosphorescent paint “RM phosphorescent paint”?

The ``RM phosphorescent paint'' used this time is a high-performance phosphorescent paint for outdoor use that continues to emit light for 12 hours even in the event of a disaster or power outage. Development of this paint began in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, with the idea of ​​``preparing for future disasters and protecting many lives.'' Since development started in 2018, it has gone through various tests and achievements, and has been widely introduced as a safety measure for evacuation routes and bridge piers.

Through construction at Yakushima Airport, it has been demonstrated that the system can withstand the impact and wear caused by aircraft takeoff and landing, and in the future it is expected that it will be introduced not only at airports but also at locations that require nighttime use, such as helipads and rescue ports. .

Test results and excellent durability of RM luminescent paint

"RM Luminous Paint" has passed durability and abrasion tests under harsh environments, and is expected to maintain its performance over a long period of time. The following tests have been conducted to prove its performance.

• Accelerated weathering test (xenon lamp method): 1000 hours coating performance test
• Wet and cold cycling test: Coating film performance in 40 cycles (960 hours)
• Luminous performance measurement: In the phosphorescence performance evaluation of the tsunami evacuation guidance sign system based on the JIS Z9097 standard, a luminance of 9mcd/m2 was confirmed after 720 minutes.

This has been confirmed to maintain high visibility even during power outages and disasters, and to assist in evacuation guidance and rescue operations.

JIS Z9097 standard phosphorescence performance measurement results for tsunami evacuation guidance sign system

Nationwide expansion and contribution to disaster prevention measures

Based on this success at Yakushima Airport, a policy was announced to roll out "RM Luminous Paint" nationwide. In the future, we are considering introducing the system to areas that require disaster countermeasures, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the Tokyo metropolitan area earthquake, and the Nankai Trough earthquake. In particular, phosphorescence technology is expected to make a major contribution to nighttime evacuation and rescue operations, as it can provide clear visual support even in the event of a power outage.

Cooperation system between RMPA and member companies

RMPA collaborates with many companies to popularize phosphorescent technology and improve safety measures. Construction of Yakushima Airport was also carried out with the cooperation of RMPA member companies Hazuki Kogyo, Otanaka Painting Co., Ltd., Mimori Painting Co., Ltd., and Tohoku NTS. In the future, RMPA plans to continue working with member companies to further improve and disseminate the technology.

Contact information
High Brightness Luminous Paint Promotion Association
Address: 23-1 Toba, Senmaya-cho, Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate
Secretariat: Tohoku NTS (In charge: Sasaki)
Telephone: 019-665-2227
FAX: 019-665-2228
Website: https://rmpa.jp

■Press release source - Tohoku NTS Co., Ltd.
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/company/9400002004768/