Next Generation of Aviation Safety Bird Strike Radar Systems Launched by DeTect

PANAMA CITY, Fla., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- DeTect, Inc., http://www.detect-inc.com, today announced the latest in aviation safety technology, its next generation of MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radars.

“All 2009 MERLIN bird radars include full capability to detect and track birds in fog and weather using new solid state radars,” said Gary Andrews, DeTect’s CEO. “Birds do fly in weather, particularly when they are migrating. Magnetron-based, X-band systems are completely blinded by heavy fog and light rain which is the most high risk period for aircraft bird strikes as the pilots can’t see the birds and the birds can’t see the aircraft,” he continued.

Other enhancements to the MERLIN bird strike technology include decreased long-term operating costs through state-of-the-art solid state radar sensors, continuous, automated bird strike risk monitoring and alerting in both PPI and PAR displays, and ultra-high resolution user displays that provide an expanded level of detail for bird activity on and around airports.

About DeTect

Panama City, Florida based DeTect is the world leader in development of advanced bird radar systems for detection, tracking and alerting of bird-aircraft strike risk at military airfields and commercial airports. The company originally developed the MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as a low cost system for continuous automated detection, tracking and alerting of bird strike risk. MERLIN is the only production model avian radar technology in operation, with over 45 systems delivered worldwide for both aviation safety and environmental applications. The USAF currently has six MERLIN systems at USAF installations that provide automated alerting of current bird strike risk in runway approach and departure corridors where 85% of airfield bird strikes occur. The U.S. space agency, NASA, also owns two systems that are used to prevent bird strikes during space shuttle launches. MERLIN systems are also installed at several U.S. and foreign airports, including the La Mercy International Airport in Durban, South Africa, which is the world’s first use of bird radar technology to provide real-time risk warnings and data in the air traffic control tower. For more information, visit http://www.detect-inc.com.