Automated FODetect Solution to Enhance Seattle-Tacoma Runway Safety

Leidos has won a contract from the Port of Seattle to provide implementation services for a comprehensive Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system to be installed as part of a runway improvement project at Seattle - Tacoma airport.

FODetect is an automated FOD solution collocated with runway edge lights 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.

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 fully operational automated FOD detection system that has been installed at a U.S. airport.

"The Port of Seattle has selected the FODetect system to meet expanding operational demands for continuous monitoring for FOD at Seattle-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 of Seattle the only solution available in the market that can automatically detect foreign object debris between runway movements."

FODetect is operational at Logan Airport in Boston, Tel Aviv Ben-Gurion International Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A FODspot subsystem has also been acquired by Paris's Charles de Gaulle International Airport.