I’m thinking artificial turf is a show stopper for Combat.
Glow fuel WILL get spilled on it, and glow engines will occasionally catch fire with those nearly invisible alcohol flames. If the turf is not fire retardant, there would be an incident worthy of losing flying privileges.
If it is fire retardant there would likely only be a burned patch, which, unlike real grass, won’t grow back. Can you patch that stuff?
As for impact, I suspect it is softer than asphalt, but harder than sod.
I would try to convince the town fathers that natural, living grass is the better choice. Your club might have to consider forming a mowing committee if the towns end goal is a reduction of groundskeeping costs.