A powerful new camera system that can identify objects the size of suitcase wheels on Heathrow’s two runways, during daylight or at night, has been installed this week.
The cameras use infra-red technology and enhance the airport’s existing runway safety systems, supplied by UK based technology company QinetiQ. The overall system works using radars which continuously scan the airport’s runways - 24 hours a day - for material which could pose a risk to aircraft.
Specialised cameras with night-vision technology have now been fitted to each radar allowing the airport’s airfield safety unit to identify and remove debris. The infra-red technology incorporated into the system ensures the cameras can work in low-light conditions.
This upgrade coincides with the Tarsier system being installed on Heathrow’s northern runway, having successfully been in use on the southern runway since June 2008.
Colin Wood, Director of Airside Operations at Heathrow, said:
“The safety and security of Heathrow’s two runways is our single most important priority and we are always looking for innovative technology to build on the robust systems already in place.
“This upgrade to the Tarsier system is an excellent addition to our airside safety regime, which keeps the airport’s busy runways safe. The addition of cameras that can be used day and night means that our people can instantly identify debris, even down to something as small as a suitcase wheel, and respond quickly, minimising any disruption to the normal operation of the airport.”
The Tarsier FOD* radar system can detect small objects to within three metres anywhere on the runway and can detect a range of materials including: metal, plastic, glass, wood, fibreglass and even organic matter. A display unit installed in Heathrow’s airside operations unit provides the airport runway inspection team with a round-the-clock runway picture allowing them to locate and now see the FOD on the tarmac and retrieve the object in a matter of minutes.
Phil McLachlan, Managing Director QinetiQ Airport Technologies commented:
“We are delighted that the UK’s flagship airport has embraced this new technology from QinetiQ. As an airport operating at the very highest safety standard, we are confident that the Tarsier camera will help keep Heathrow at the forefront of airport safety”
Heathrow’s two runways operate close to maximum capacity, and the airside operations team has been leading the airport community on FOD (foreign object debris) awareness to minimise delays related to loose objects on the airfield. The addition of cameras maximises the safety and efficiency of the existing Tarsier system and is a sophisticated aid to the regular human inspections the AOSU team carry out several times daily.
