Research Into the Launch of an Airport Runway Foreign Object Debris Detection System and Streamlining Runway Maintenance Methods

The Foreign Object Debris Detection System (FODDS) at airports, which is based on ultra-wideband millimeter-wave radar systems and various sensors, is a novel surveillance system to support airport operations, which detects foreign objects debris (FOD) on runways automatically and informs airport operators. As well as preventing accidents, FODDS can also shorten the runway closure periods for safety stagnation of aircraft due to runway closures and maximize the usage rate of airport runways.

Previous research confirmed that the detection performance of the developed FODDS exceeds international standards and also clarified its installation conditions. Before actual operation, there is a need to evaluate and take measures to address any fluctuation in the runway environment. Reliability and scope to cut costs must also be investigated.

The main purposes of the research project include reducing the false detection rate caused by the environment around the runway, making FODDS more reliable and cutting costs. We are also investigating a methodology to maintain and manage runways efficiently using FODDS and an FOD recovery tool.