The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected the Searidge Technologies intelligent-video-based surface management system, IntelliDAR, to provide runway-light automation at the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.  Teterboro Airport is one of the most active general aviation airports in the U.S. In an effort to improve safety and efficiency, the Searidge system will be used to evaluate the automation of runway lighting.

"The FAA is evaluating unique surface management solutions at Teterboro Airport to automatically control runway lighting. If successful, operational specifications for such a system will be developed," says Donald Gallagher, FAA Technical Center Visual Guidance Program manager.

IntelliDAR uses thermal video sensors and advanced computer vision technology to provide RADAR-like tracking of aircraft on the airport surface. Information from the IntelliDAR surface management system will be used to automatically control portions of the threshold runway lights. This project demonstrates the flexibility of intelligent-video-based surface management technology. It is an alternative to RADAR and Multilateration systems, and can be used in a wide variety of applications from runway-light automation, to low-cost ground surveillance and apron management.

"This is a significant win for Searidge; the FAA has a leadership role in the industry and demonstrates that intelligent-video systems for air traffic control and airports have really come of age,” said company officials

Searidge Technologies delivers intelligent video solutions and services to air traffic control providers and airports. IntelliDAR, Searidge’s flagship platform, is the first operational system of its kind in an air traffic control tower, and provides surface detection and tracking of all targets moving on the airport surface.