Frangible airport support structures
ICAO & FAA-compliant frangible airport structures
At modern airports, safety-critical structures like lighting systems, antenna supports, and fencing must be frangible, meaning they break away or yield safely upon impact. This is essential in preventing serious aircraft damage in the event of a collision.
Exel Composites specializes in the design and manufacture of frangible airport structures, offering a full range of ICAO-compliant and FAA-compliant fiberglass solutions. Our lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance composite masts, poles, and fencing systems are trusted in over 500 airports worldwide.
Key benefits of composite frangible structures
Lightweight
Fully frangible, yet strong, rigid, and radio transparent.
Easy to install
Our self-raising system helps eliminate or minimize the need for lifting equipment.
ICAO and FAA compliant
Our frangible solutions are ICAO and FAA compliant.
Trusted globally
Our solutions are used by over 500 airfields around the world.
Why choose frangible composite structures?
Safety through design
Regulatory bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate that structures located within 60 meters of the runway centerline or approach paths must be fully frangible.
Exel Composites’ frangible airport products meet these regulations, offering engineered breaking behavior to protect both aircraft and personnel.
Frangibility achieved through composites
Our frangible structures are made from pultruded fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), offering:
- Controlled breakage on impact
- Lightweight but rigid structure
- High-performance in all weather conditions
- Full compliance with ICAO Part 6 and FAA AC 150/5345-45C
Benefits of our composite technology
Our continuous manufacturing process offers significant advantages over traditional materials like steel or aluminum:
- Lightweight fiberglass construction for safe frangibility
- UV- and corrosion-resistant for extreme environments
- Low life-cycle maintenance
- Homogeneous materials eliminate weak points
- 20-year design life under normal conditions
- Quick installation and ground-level maintenance
- Hinged design options for easy service
These benefits make Exel’s composite masts and poles ideal for airport lighting, navigational systems, airfield fencing, and more.
Our frangible airport structures offering
Approach lighting masts
Available in pole or lattice configurations with customizable heights:
- Fiberglass poles (D51, D86 and D106) from 1.6m to 4.5m
- Lattice towers up to 35m high and higher custom towers possible
- Adjustable crossbars, hinges for tilting, and counterbalance options
- ICAO and FAA -compliant lighting configurations
Glide path towers
- Composite towers up to 12 meters high
- Wind survival up to 60 m/s
- Low-deflection design for antenna alignment
- Includes obstruction lights, safety rails, brackets, and cable conduits
- Patented frangible fiberglass guy wires
Localizer antenna supports
- Modular 500mm x 500mm composite structure
- Custom built for precise antenna height
- Optional carbon fiber hybrid for added weight reduction
- FAA-compliant frangible design
Weather instrument masts
- 6m and 10m masts for wind direction and speed monitoring
- ADM6-compliant composite poles
- Red/white paint options per ICAO Annex 14
- Includes wind cones, anemometers, and mounting hardware
Frangible airfield fencing
- 2m high fiberglass fencing panels
- Impact tested for ICAO compliance
- UV-protected and maintenance-free
- Custom colors (aviation yellow, orange, etc.)
- Anti-climb serrated panel options available
Custom composite structures
- Frangible poles for radar, comms, and for other airfield uses
- Modular design, low maintenance, and safety-focused
- Built to meet custom specs for airport safety infrastructure
Tested, proven and certified
Impact testing you can trust
Our composite airport products are fully tested to simulate real-world aircraft impacts:
- Full-scale impact tests (PMG Technologies, Canada)
- Witnessed by FAA-authorized Intertek Lab
- Impact speed: 140 km/h | Vehicle mass: 3,000 kg
- Compliant with both ICAO and FAA frangibility standards
Installation & maintenance made easy
- Hinged base or center tilt for tool-free service
- One-person maintenance access from ground level
- Guide pins ensure exact realignment
- Delivered with installation manuals, wind load calculations, and spare parts list
Whether for lighting, antenna support, or fencing, Exel’s airport masts and poles are designed for efficient setup and long-term reliability.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions about frangible airport structures
Q: Are Exel’s masts and poles tested for frangibility and impact resistance?
A: Yes. Exel Composites’ frangible airport structures are full-scale tested to meet ICAO and FAA compliance, including our fiberglass masts, lattice towers, and composite airfield fencing.
Q: How do Exel’s frangible composite products ensure airport safety?
A: Our composite masts and poles are engineered to fracture into lightweight, low-mass pieces during impact. This prevents secondary damage and meets global aviation safety standards for airport structures near runways and taxiways.
Q: Can I be sure that Exel’s products meet ICAO and FAA rules?
A: Absolutely. All frangible airport products are supported by a written frangibility report, a Declaration of Conformity, and third-party tested FAA compliance.
Q: What types of frangible products does Exel offer?
A: Our complete range includes:
- Frangible approach lighting masts
- Glide path and localizer towers
- Weather instrument masts
- Frangible fencing for ILS and protected areas
- Custom airport poles and support masts
All our solutions are made from fiberglass composites or carbon fiber hybrids, designed for compliance, safety, and low operational cost.
Q: How long do Exel’s fiberglass airport structures last?
A: Our frangible composite structures are built for a 20-year lifecycle under typical conditions, requiring minimal maintenance and offering long-term performance.
Case study examples
Did you know our frangible airport structures are used by over 500 airports globally? Learn more about our customers below.
