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Tarsier MMWR Prevents Runway FOD
QinetiQ (Hall 1, Stand A19 and Chalet L1) is developing a millimeter wave radar (MMWR) capable of detecting objects as small as a bolt or scrap of aluminum at more than a mile away with 10-foot position fixing accuracy. Such items can cause potentially fatal foreign object damage (FOD) to aircraft, as suspected in the fatal crash of the AF4590 that departed Paris CDG on July 25, 2000. QinetiQ's MMWR is called "Tarsier," after the Southeast Asian large-eyed, arboreal primate that has superb night vision.
"This [technology] represents a step change in runway safety. Objects as small as a bolt can be detected at up to two kilometers in seven minutes," claimed Duncan Valentine, QinetiQ's managing director, transport market. Airport authorities typically inspect or sweep runways only four times per day, resulting in up to eight hours between checks, Valentine said. Tarsier, in contrast, provides near real-time detection capabilities in all weather conditions so that foreign objects can be spotted and removed before they can cause a fatal accident.
Following successful trials by British Airports Authority at Southampton and Aeroports de Paris at Paris CDG, earlier this year, Vancouver International Airport recently conducted a week-long test, and the FAA plans to test the system at an as-yet-unnamed major airport, Valentine disclosed.
Tarsier also has potential to detect airport intruders, thereby enhancing airport perimeter security. This capability may be even more appealing to U.S. airport operators and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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