SEATTLE, WA -- Safety at airport runways could be improved with an advanced automated Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system that detects foreign objects and wildlife hazards between aircraft movements. Leidos [NYSE: LDOS] was awarded a prime contract by the Port ofSeattle (the Port) to provide implementation services for a comprehensive FOD detection system to be installed as part of a runway improvement project atSeattle-Tacoma airport. The contract was awarded, after professional evaluation by the Port, under the Continuous (FOD) Detection System contract.
Varec Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leidos, will serve as the prime contractor and Xsight Systems, Inc. will be the original equipment manufacturer provider of the FODetect® Solution.
This implementation of an automated FOD detection system at Seattle-Tacoma airport will be only the second automated FOD detection system that has been installed in a U.S. airport and that is fully operational.
FODetect is an automated FOD solution collocated with runway edge lights and is the most powerful solution available today to improve runway safety, operational efficiency and increase runway capacity. FODetect continuously scans operational areas and uses sophisticated image and radar processing algorithms to monitor runway conditions during day and night for FOD, wildlife and equipment status - even during inclement weather conditions. The system automatically separates birds from other FOD types, and automatically alerts the airport's wildlife team in real time 24/7. The upgraded product enables remote real-time auditory bird deterrence, completing the cycle of runway bird management.
FODetect is operational at Logan Airport in Boston, Tel Aviv Ben-Gurion International Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. FODspot™ subsystem has been acquired byParis's Charles de Gaulle International Airport.
"The Port has selected the FODetect system to meet expanding operational demands for continuous monitoring for FOD atSeattle-Tacoma airport. It will enable viable sensing, identifying and locating at a previously unprecedented level of speed and accuracy for objects as small as an aircraft rivets," said Leidos Group President,Larry Hill. "We're proud to provide the Port the only solution available in the market that can automatically detect foreign object debris between runway movements."
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http://www.xsightsys.com
http://www.leidos.com