QinetiQ’s award winning runway debris detection system to be installed at Middle East hub
The award winning Tarsier radar system developed by QinetiQ that can detect small items of potentially dangerous debris on airports runways has been bought by Dubai International Airport, it was announced today.
The President of the Government of Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum today signed an agreement with QinetiQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Graham Love, at the Farnborough International Airshow for the purchase of a £2million Tarsier system.
Tarsier was successfully trialled at Dubai last November (2005) and a system covering both of the airport’s runways is now expected be installed later this year at Dubai International Airport. The announcement of the deal follows the first permanent installation of a Tarsier system, which was successfully completed at Vancouver International Airport recently.
Commenting on the decision to buy Tarsier, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Dubai Airport has been actively following the development of the Tarsier programme over the past few years and when the project was launched we were very keen to ensure that it was installed. Runway safety is absolute priority for Dubai International Airport and, despite an excellent safety record, we are continually looking for ways of minimising potential risks. Tarsier performed well during the trial period and I am very pleased to sign an agreement to buy the system. In addition to the safety benefits we also expect to see cost and operational benefits.
“We are also negotiating with QinetiQ about the potential installation of Tarsier at Dubai World Central, Dubai’s visionary airport city development at Jebel Ali.”
Gavin Richardson, Managing Director of QinetiQ Airport Technologies, said: “Dubai International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the world and is also recognised as one of the world’s premier aviation hubs. I am delighted that Dubai’s forward looking approach to new technology will now lead to the installation of Tarsier at the airport later this year. The decision signals the latest important advance for our Tarsier business.”
Over the course of last year’s five day demonstration, the all-weather, 24/7 Tarsier system performed fully automatic detection and location of a variety of representative test debris items such as metal bolts, a small section of a carbon fibre grill and plastic and glass bottles. The demonstration also included the simultaneous real time detection of more than 30 pieces of rubber tyre in a simulated tyre “blow-out”.
Debris on runways is a major safety, cost and operational issue for airports and airlines. The estimated worldwide annual cost of debris damage and delays is $4 billion. Current runway inspections are typically carried out manually from a moving vehicle every four hours. Spotting small pieces of debris on the runway (which has the same area as 40 football pitches) is extremely difficult, especially at night or in bad weather. By contrast Tarsier inspects the runway continuously, with no disruption to aircraft movements, and is unaffected by changes in light and weather conditions.
About Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DIA) is the first airport in the Middle East to procure a fully automatic runway debris detection system and the second in the world after Vancouver International Airport in Canada.
DIA has already invested £8.6 million in its air traffic safety and navigation equipment. The latest £2 million acquisition is seen as a step further in keeping the facility equipped with the latest in technology. The installation of the Tarsier system at DIA will not only enhance safety but is expected to also increase the facility’s overall operational efficiency and reduce commercial risks without impacting the airport’s capacity.
Connected by 113 airlines to 160 destinations around the world, Dubai International Airport is acknowledged as one of the world’s fastest developing airports in the Middle East. Passenger throughput has increased considerably over the past few years with over 13.7 million passengers passing through DIA during the first half of 2006.
The airport is currently undergoing a US $4.1 billion expansion program involving the construction of Terminal 3, Concourses 2 and 3 – exclusively for Emirates, which will enable the facility to handle up to 70 million passengers annually by 2008. The project will also greatly increase the airport’s capacity to handle the new A380 super-jumbo with 23 dedicated gates, while its cargo handling facilities would also expand.
About Dubai World Central
Dubai World Central is a 140 square-kilometre development located in Jebel Ali. With at least six parallel runways and as many concourses capable of handling more than 120 million passengers and over 12 million tonnes of cargo per year, DWC is a long-term project, designed to serve the emirate’s passenger and cargo air transportation needs until 2050 and beyond. Upon completion, DWC will be the combined size of London’s Heathrow and Chicago’s O’Hare airports.
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