Attend the system to detect daring strange objects at the airport

Automated systems for detecting strange objects at airports often use radar technology, high-resolution cameras, mounted on fixed towers, buildings, airport lighting equipment or car roofs.

Trex Enterprises' FOD Finder system (USA) is mounted on the roof of the car, creating high mobility.(Photo: Chicago O'Hare).

FODetect system of Xsight Systems (Israel)

FODetect system uses high-resolution camera and long-range radar (millimeter wave), mounted on buildings, airport lighting equipment.

FODetect operation process consists of 5 steps: Scanning and detection (using radar technology and advanced image processing); Warning (showing audio-visual warnings at the control panel, helping operators know the images and locations of strange objects, birds, animals .);

Review and classify (operators see images transmitted in real time with data about size, location . to make appropriate decisions); Removed (in case of necessity, the vehicle is introduced to clean up strange objects under the help of laser orientation and GPS coordinates);

Evaluate events and store data (conclusions about the origin and frequency of foreign objects, helping to minimize future occurrences).

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, the cost of installing the FODetect system on a runway is about 1.7 million USD (equivalent to 38 billion dong).

Tarsier Radar system of QinetiQ firm (UK)

The Tarsier Radar system uses high-frequency, high-resolution radar to scan the 24 / 24h area to search for foreign objects that could be dangerous for flights.

If animals, objects are detected, the camera integrates close-up recording clearly in all lighting conditions so that the operator can confidently make appropriate decisions.

Tarsier Radar also has tools that allow users to store, review and analyze all data about foreign objects. Through a flexible graphical interface, the system highlights hot spots and trends associated with foreign objects, helping to identify their origins.

This information allows users to actively handle to prevent foreign objects, especially wildlife, birds appear on runways, taxiways.

Tarsier Radar is currently installed at Heathrow International Airport (England), Vancouver (Canada), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Doha (Qatar) .

Stratech iFerret system (Singapore)

The iFerret system uses a high-resolution camera mounted on a fixed tower. Photoelectric sensors automatically detect, locate, classify and record strange objects at the airport.

In August 2008, Singapore Civil Aviation Authority agreed to let Stratech deploy iFerret at runways at the country's Changi Airport. This contract marks the first commercial application of iFerret (operating system since 2009).

Trex Enterprises FOD Finder system (USA)

The FOD Finder system uses long-wave radar and infrared cameras, mounted on the roof of the airport.

The built-in sensor 78-81 GHz radar allows scanning the area with an approximate 80-degree angle in front of the vehicle, with a speed of 30 times / minute, the vehicle detection distance of about 200m and detection area of ​​about 1x1m.

FOD Finder also includes high-quality GPS satellite positioning, combined with system software to provide location and strange object images.

The camera on the roof of the car is used to photograph objects and the system will label them as birds, animals, screws . along with date and time information, location in the form of a barcode.