Video

Video by Matthew C Clouse

AFWERX Refinery advances lightweight LZ/DZ marking system

Air Force Research Laboratory

March 4, 2025 | 0:52

AFWERX, through its Refinery program, is driving innovation by replacing bulky, 40-pound legacy landing zone (LZ) and drop zone (DZ) marking systems with a lightweight, 22-pound solution designed for rapid deployment. This compact, portable system fits into a small rucksack, allowing a single operator to transport and deploy it with ease. Developed with input from Air Mobility Liaisons, Special Tactics Teams, and Army Pathfinders, the system enhances agility, mission readiness, and operational effectiveness in modern combat environments. Efforts are underway to integrate it into standard equipment lists to improve mobility-focused operations across the force. (U.S. Air Force video by Matthew Clouse)