QinetiQ Airport Technologies

Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, QinetiQ Airport Technologies (QAT) was founded in 2002 as a division of QinetiQ, one of the largest global providers of advanced technologies. As such QAT has a huge wealth of experience and resources behind it. QAT has been at the cutting edge of advancing aviation technologies for defence and commercial markets since its inception, focusing on solving problems such as foreign object debris (FOD) and other runway hazards. Some of QAT's clients include some of the busiest runways in the world including, London Heathrow, Dubai International, Vancouver International, Doha International and RAF Boscombe Down.

Foreign Object Debris Detection

To further reduce the risks of runway hazards QAT have developed Tarsier, an innovative runway safety management system which features a contiuous foreign object debris detection facility. Tarsier uses a network of high resolution, high frequency radar to continuously scan the runway for any FOD or wildlife that may cause a hazard. Once a hazard has been detected a sophisticated camera will zoom in on the FOD to allow airport ground staff to assess the hazard and take any action needed.

Please click the following link for the FAA Airport Advisory Circular on FOD Detection Equipment.

Airfield Wildlife Management

The images captured by the Tarsier system can be produced even in low light levels allowing the runway to remain safe throughout the hours the runway is in use.

Tarsier can even be relied upon to aid airfield wildlife management requirements. The early detection of wildlife, especially birds can ensure they are cleared from the area as quickly as possible, therefore reducing the possibility of bird strikes.

“BAA carries out four runway inspections a day, Tarsier does a sweep every 68 seconds. There has been FOD detected by the radar which would not normally have been picked up due to the frequency of the runs we normally carry out. BAA has reacted to those, leading to increased safety.” Colin Wood – Head of Airside Operations, London Heathrow Airport.

Aviation Ground Safety

Using Tarsier has tangible benefits on aviation ground safety but also effects other major airport concerns. Runway capacities can be increased and FOD costs reduced due to certainty in the safety of the runway requiring less physical checks. Runways running at a higher capacity ensure there are fewer delays, which in turn reduce CO2 emissions of waiting aircraft and also increase the satisfaction of passengers.

“Tarsier provides Vancouver with a completely new view of our runways and represents a significant step forward in runway safety. The system also detects the presence of birds and consequently the airport has expanded its operating procedures to include wildlife control measures. …the automation efficiencies have reduced average FOD retrieval times from nine minutes to five minutes, and that time saving allows runway capacity gains of between two and four slots during peak periods.” Brett Patterson, Vancouver's Director of Airside Operations.