Book idea question about Russia?

Question

One of my stories I am working on and have been trying to research is a civil war turned world war (well nearly) inside Russia and some of its former republics.

In order to help defend parts of the government held areas, the US needs to put in temporary runways. These would be in isolated regions of Siberia.

Someone once told me there was a way to do so, without concrete, hangers (well at least big ones) and control towers.

It deals with something that looks liek winter tire chains. Supposedly its laid down on any kind of ground and can handle most air traffic.

Is this real? can it be used in frozen lands like Siberia?

If its not, can anyone suggest a better way? I dont know if there are many airports out there.

yeah but your mostly talkng about troop carriers..
I figure a war in Siberia (in defense or offense) would need fighter bases.

I dont think fighters can land on solid ice.

Answer 1

Temporary runways are easy enough, you don't really need concrete. One possibility is mix in woodpulp with ice, and refreeze that into blocks, and use that to pave a flat area, then something like a zamboni will "smooth" that over creating a mostly smooth surface. Another is flatten the area with earthmover, than drop in steel "grates" that interlock into sort of a "deck". So yes, it is possible. However, that's engineering problem, and you need to ask the SeaBees or the Army Corp of Engineers.

You don't need control towers. A couple sensors, and a couple Air Force Combat Controllers in a small bunker will be enough.

There ARE Soviet airbases in Siberia, plenty of them. Most are stood down and only have a skeleton caretaker crew, but they do have hangars and fuel storage and other equipments.

The first wave in will likely be VTOL crafts like Harrier II's and the F-35 VTOL's any way.

Answer 2

Temporary runways already exist! They are patches of straight road that are unnecessary wide to allow emergency landings and war-time use. We have alot of them here in Finland in case of another Russian (cough, well who else?) invasion would take place.

Where would these be installed? Most terrain wold be too soft to allow for a safe landing, if it was not asphalt. I remain sceptical.

One could salt or sand ice on lakes to make a runway, however, one would not want to keep the planes there out exposed for a long time, and it would be strictly for small airplanes.

But don't the americans have the airplanes that can take off and land as a helicopter- you know those who twist their wings so the propellers face upwards instead of forwards.