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AIRCRAFT BIRDSTRIKE AVOIDANCE RADARS


MERLIN and the MERLIN logo are registered trademarks of DeTect, Inc.Birdstrikes pose a significant safety hazard to aviation and, according to recent studies, cost military and commercial aviation over $1.5 billion each year due to aircraft loss and
damage, out-of-service delays and lost lives.

bulletDeTect's MERLIN™ system

MERLIN XS5060m Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system installed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri USADeTect’s MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance radar system is the most advanced technology available for bird-aircraft strike hazard (BASH) management and for real-time detection and tracking of hazardous bird activity at military airfields, military training and bombing ranges, and commercial airports. MERLIN is proven technology over 40 systems currently operating at sites worldwide with documented results in reducing birdstrikes, increasing safety, and reducing aircraft damage and delay costs. MERLIN was developed by experts in military and commercial aviation safety, airfield bird control and radar remote sensing to provide a system that integrates seamlessly and effectively into airfield or airport operations delivering the most advanced, proven and cost cost-effective birdstrike safety solution available. To see an example of how the MERLIN system software works and view an example of the MERLIN system display, CLICK HERE (requires Adobe Shockwave/Flash Player).

MERLIN provides complete real-time coverage of runway approaches and departure corridors and the area around the airfield The MERLIN operating software was specifically developed to track the unique characteristics of birds and provides superior performance over systems using modified aircraft or marine radar software. MERLIN uses a dual radar configuration to provide simultaneous 3D coverage and scanning of runway approach and departure corridors from the ground level up to 15,000 ft AGL and around the airfield out to 8 miles.

 

bulletAdvantages of MERLIN include:

  • Automated determination and alerting of birdstrike risk levels
  • User-selectable visual, audible and messaging risk alert options
  • Detection and tracking software developed specifically for aviation safety
  • Developed and supported by top BASH and aviation safety experts
  • Production model technology (not an R&D project)
  • Proven in airport, military airfield and training range installations worldwide
  • Fully remote viewable and controllable through LAN, WAN, Internet & wireless
  • Wide range of standard & custom functions & features
  • Used by the US Air Force, NASA and major airports

bulletEngineered for Operational Airfield/Airport Environments

MERLIN ATC (Air Traffic Control) provides continuous monitoring of the bird strike risk level for runway approach and departure corridors providing automated visual, audible and/or messaging alerts to air traffic controllers, airfield managers and bird control unitsBird track data is displayed in real time on local and remote monitors in standard aviation PAR and PPI display formats with user selectable display options that include color coded symbols, unique identifiers for birds and aircraft, target trails and target tags with a range of attribute display options. DeTect's MERLIN ATC (Air Traffic Control) software continuously monitors bird activity in the runway approach and departure corridors automatically determining the current birdstrike risk for each corridor with the risk displayed onto the screen in color-coded text (LOW, MODERATE, SEVERE). Tower controllers, airfield managers and bird control staff are alerted to changes in the risk condition by user-selectable visual, audible and text message alerting options. MERLIN ATC is the only automated bird strike risk monitoring and alerting system available on the market and represents the state-of-the-art in real time birdstrike risk management for commercial airports and military airfields.

All target data attributes are also continuously written to MERLIN’s database for archiving and post-analysis with DeTect’s Data Analyzer software - which includes pre-programmed “point-and-click” queries - or with Microsoft Access. Data are also exportable to a GIS for integration into customer resource and planning databases. MERLIN additionally includes a recorder module that continuously retains the previous 48-72 hours of radar data for post processing and analysis to support event and mishap investigations.

MERLIN remote control and display station in USAF Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia, USAbulletProduction Model Technology

DeTect offers four standard MERLIN models for aviation birdstrike avoidance- Industrial, Commercial, Environmental and Military - with high and medium radar power options for larger and medium sized airfields and airports. Systems are also available in mobile and custom, multi-sensor fixed configurations for coverage of larger airports. Mobile systems are trailer-mounted and fully self-supporting, and include a temperature and humidity controlled operations cabin, computer systems, an on-board power system, radar towers, and military/AOA airfield lighting and marking, and are fully mission deployable for forward-base use.

bulletWide Range of Features & Functions

MERLIN XS2530i Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar at the Waste Management Landfill / Louisville International Airport, Kentucky, USAUnits are constructed to high quality industrial and military specifications and are designed for long-term, exterior use in adverse climate conditions. Custom, installation-specific configurations are also available with a wide variety of optional and custom features to enhance system operations and utility that includes custom display layouts; integrated control of bird deterrence systems (detect & deter™); and, DeTect’s wired flightline system for seamless, real-time data transmission to fixed and mobile sites such as air traffic control towers, range control towers, bird control offices and vehicles, operations offices, and, direct uplink to aircraft cockpits. MERLIN includes highly reliable, proven technologies and can also operate as a multi-function radar through add-on modules that allow the same system to be used as a birdstrike avoidance, aircraft tracking, and/or security platform concurrently.

bulletExpert Application Support

Custom MERLIN display developed by DeTect for the NASA MERLIN Avian Radar system tracking turkey vultures around the space shuttle launch padWith MERLIN, users are getting more than a radar system - DeTect provides comprehensive application support with each system that includes full concept-of-operations (CONOPS) development, system integration and site-specific operation training. Each system is supported by DeTect's team of application specialists who have extensive backgrounds and experience in radar systems, BASH management and airfield operations. Staff resources supporting each MERLIN deployment include a former Chief of the US Air Force BASH Team, a former Head of US Air Force Europe Bird Control and a support team of experts in radar ornithology and BASH with experience gained on BASH related projects at over 200 airports and airfields worldwide.

MERLIN systems are offered for sale, long-term lease or short-term rental, with or without DeTect operators and are backed by a three-year full parts and labor warranty. For more information on the MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar, download our MERLIN brochure (1700 kb) (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) or contact us for a complete features and function catalog.

 
 
 
 



 

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS...

MERLIN XS2530c Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar operating at the new La Mercy Airport in Durban, South Africa

MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Radar System, Durban, South Africa - DeTect provided a MERLIN system for study and assessment of bird-aircraft strike risk issues associated with a roost of over 3 million Barn Swallows near the new Durban International Airport being constructed for the 2010 World Cup. The initial work included 24-7 radar survey of the bird activity to develop a risk assessment and operational plan for the airport. A permanent system will be installed to support airport operations in late 2008. CLICK HERE to view a news video on the Barn Swallow issue at the airport and the radar project.

MERLIN XS2530m Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system operating at USAF Dover AFB Delaware, Maryland USA supporting the USAF Air Mobility Command C-5 Galaxy mission

MERLIN XS2530m Dover AFB, Delaware, USA - MERLIN system supporting USAF 436th Airlift WIng Flight Safety for C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft. Dover AFB is also the Department of Defense's largest and most technologically-advanced aerial port and operates 24-7. The MERLIN system has operated 24-7 since 2006 providing real-time detection and tracking of hazardous bird activity through remote control and display stations located in the control tower, airfield operations office and bird control unit vehicle. MORE on Military.com

MERLIN XS2530m Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system installation at US Air Force Beale AFB, California USA

MERLIN XS2530m system, US Air Force Beale AFB, California, USA - MERLIN system supporting the USAF 9th Reconnaissance Wing flight safety. The 9th RW is responsible for providing national and theater command authorities with timely, reliable, high-quality, high-altitude reconnaissance products with the US fleet of U-2 and RQ-4 reconnaissance aircraft and associated support equipment. The MERLIN system provides real-time detection and tracking of hazardous bird activity within 8 miles around the airfield through remote control and display stations located in the control tower, airfield operations office and bird control unit vehicle.

MERLIN XS2530c Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system operating at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Texas USA

MERLIN XS2530c system, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, USA - System provided real-time bird detection and tracking providing data to bird control unit vehicles on the airfield and to airport operations. The FAA has selected DeTect to install an expanded multi-sensor MERLIN network in 2008 to provide increased coverage of the airport.

Custom built MERLIN X66s Avian Radar System purchased by NASA for space shuttle launch support

NASA Avian Radar System, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA - Two custom MERLIN systems purchased by the U.S. Space Agency, NASA, and used to provide detection and tracking of hazardous vulture activity during Space Shuttle launches. The MERLIN system technology was selected by NASA after extensive evaluation and on-site testing of various systems. The units have provided detection and tracking for all shuttle launches since NASA's return to flight on July 4, 2006. DeTect additionally provides on-site operational support to NASA Test Directors for each launch. MORE on story at the NASA website.

MERLIN XS2530c Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system at the USAF Dare County Bombing Range, North Carolina

MERLIN XS2530c Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar System, USAF Dare County Bombing Range, North Carolina, USA - The US Navy and Air Force share use of the Dare County Range, located along the eastern coast of North Carolina for air-to-surface target training. A first generation MERLIN XS2530c system was installed on the range in late 2003 and has operated 24-7 with 99% uptime and 16,000 MTBR. Prior to use of the MERLIN system the range experience 1-2 Class A and 3-4 Class B birdstrikes annually. Since the MERLIN technology went into operation in November 2003, the range has had no Class A or B bird related mishaps in the areas covered by the MERLIN system.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL TO inquiry@detect-inc.com

DeTect proudly supports:

DeTect proudly supports the Birdstrike Committee USA-Canada
Bird Strike Committee
USA-Canada
www.birdstrike.org

DeTect is a Corporate Member of the American Association of Airport Executives
www.aaae.org

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