Bird-aircraft strikes pose a significant hazard to military and and commercial aircraft causing over $2 billion in estimated costs annually worldwide from airframe damage, out-of-service delays, and lost aircraft. Even more important are the more than 400 lives that have been lost in strike related crashes. Over 5,000 strikes are reported annually in the U.S., however the FAA estimates that this represents only about 20% of the strikes that actually occur. The hazard level is increasing due to increased air traffic and increased bird populations as a result of environmental conservation efforts necessitating increased and improved control measures. DeTect offers a full range of professional Bird-Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) consulting and support services to airports, airport planners and consultants:

• Airfield bird & wildlife risk assessment
• BASH/Wildlife plan development
• Regulatory compliance
• Mishap investigation
• MERLIN avian radar surveys
• MERLIN aircraft-birdstrike avoidance radar systems
• Wildlife control program design
• Bird/wildlife control services
• BASH management training
• Expert consulting & testimony

Specific expertise includes short- and long-term avian radar studies for new airports and airport expansions to assess bird and wildlife hazard risk, develop management plans and provide real-time operational bird-aircraft strike risk avoidance with the MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar system. For additional information on the MERLIN system for airport operations support, Click Here. For information on DeTect's comprehensive BASH services and technologies download our brochure by Clicking Here (1700 kb; requires Adobe Reader)

DeTect's Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard Group

DeTect's BASH group is headed by a former Chief of the U.S. Air Force BASH Team and includes highly experienced US FAA-qualified BASH specialists, biologists, radar ornithologists, engineers and programmers. DeTect's staff have completed BASH projects at over 200 airports and airfields in over 80 countries and are the most experienced team of specialists in BASH and remote sensing of birds in the world. Bird control experience additionally includes over 50 solid waste landfills facilities located throughout the US and worldwide. Staff have extensive background and experience in successfully resolving airport-landfill conflicts and in supporting public hearings and legal proceedings.

LRAD-B Advanced Wildlife Control Systems

The dispersal of hazardous bird and wildlife species has long been an important component of any comprehensive wildlife control program.  Common dispersal techniques include pyrotechnics, propane gas cannons, lasers and acoustic systems. Each method offers advantages in terms of effectiveness and costs but all suffer from a lack of range and the potential for habituation.  Additionally, these methods often elicit noise complaints from neighbors. 

DeTect now offers the Long Range Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) that is capable of projecting a highly focused, controlled beam of noise at extended ranges (up to 3000 ft). DeTect is the authorized application specialist and distributor for the American Technology Corporation for the LRAD systems for bird and wildlife control. The units are military grade systems and can use either recorded distress calls (bioacoustics) or various sounds (such as sirens, bells, etc) at variable levels up to 140 dB to disperse wildlife in a controlled manner at close-in or extended ranges (up to 1000 meters). System options include vehicle and gimbal mounts, and the technology can be integrated with a MERLIN Avian Radar System to provide automated detect and deter functionality. To view a video of the LRAD-B system in operation for bird control Click Here.  To download a copy of the LRAD bird and wildlife control brochure, Click Here (337 KB, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).