New Radar system for Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport has unveiled a new radar system designed to highlight rubbish and debris on the runways.

The new Tarsier radar system aims to cut down on the amount of time spent by ground crews inspecting the runway which leads to delays take-off delays and disrupted journeys.

When Concorde struck a piece of debris on the runway at Charles de Gaulle, Paris, it caused the plane to crash and catch fire. Development of the the Tarsier radar system began following the unfortunate incident with Concorde.

The system has not been created to remove the manual runway checks, but rather to assist ground crews by highlighting definite sightings and directing crew to the location. Future development will also allow crews to actually see the item before the crews get to the position allowing suitable preparation for the object. The system operates via two twin radar towers, scan the runway and can spot an object the size of a cotton reel on the floor between planes.

Previous items found on the Heathrow runway, include straps and buckles from suitcases, cameras, bolts and even live fish (the latter having been dropped by local birds).

The system is fully operational on the Southern runway and will soon be operational on the Northern runway. The problem of debris on runways is a costly and time consuming one. Quite often runways have to be closed while runway patrols check the ground for objects. They can often be seen at Heathrow in a brightly coloured four wheel drive vehicles.

Each piece of debris could potentially be sucked into an airplanes jet intakes causing huge amounts of damage. The implementation of this system will not remove the runway patrols, it is only seen as an aid to their effectiveness. The staff involved will still be seen driving down the runways towards planes moving towards the runway.

Published by: Andy Skinner