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Wind turbines, transmission lines and communication towers must be lit to keep aviation safe, but lights that flash all night, every night, are one of the most common objections raised by neighboring communities. An Aircraft Detection Lighting System keeps obstruction lights off until an aircraft is actually nearby.
In response to the Dark Sky initiative to reduce light pollution, and to growing customer demand, DeTect developed the HARRIER™ Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) for automatic obstruction lighting activation on aviation obstructions such as wind farm turbines, high voltage transmission lines and communication towers.
HARRIER™ ADLS provides continuous 360 degree radar surveillance around the obstruction and switches the lighting on automatically when an aircraft enters a defined activation perimeter. When the airspace is clear again, the lights go back off. With installations across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia, HARRIER™ is the most widely deployed and proven ADLS on the market.
HARRIER™ ADLS has been assessed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the FAA Performance Assessment Report confirms the system met the performance requirements identified in Chapter 14 of Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1M. The system also meets Canadian NAVCAN requirements and relevant EU standards.
DeTect provides more than radar hardware.
Every HARRIER™ ADLS is delivered with DeTect’s proprietary detection, control and data platform, which turns radar data into automatic lighting decisions, a live picture of aircraft activity and a complete operational record for each site.
This integrated hardware and software approach delivers:
HARRIER ADLS uses ground based, solid-state Doppler radar to watch the airspace 360 degrees around a wind farm, transmission line or tower, detecting aircraft well before they reach the obstruction.
Solid-state Doppler radar scans the surrounding airspace continuously, detecting aircraft out to 18 nautical miles, exceeding the FAA minimum range requirement by a safety margin of more than 400%.
Proven HARRIER tracking software, built on DeTect’s non-cooperative aircraft detection platform, tracks each aircraft continuously, measuring its speed and heading to determine whether it is approaching the obstruction.
When an aircraft enters the activation perimeter, HARRIER switches on the obstruction lighting automatically and, where fitted, triggers audible warning beacons. Once the aircraft has left the area the lights return to off, and every event is logged.
HARRIER ADLS is designed for the realities of onshore and offshore wind farms, where large numbers of lit turbines can be visible for miles and night lighting is a frequent concern for local residents, planners and wildlife groups.
By keeping turbine lighting off unless an aircraft is nearby, HARRIER™ helps wind energy developers and operators reduce light pollution, strengthen community relations and support project permitting, without compromising aviation safety.
HARRIER ADLS is also deployed on high voltage transmission line crossings, communication towers and other tall structures, giving infrastructure owners a practical way to meet lighting requirements while reducing the impact on the surrounding area.
Each system is tailored to the site, with activation perimeters and alert zones set to match the structure, the terrain and the local aviation environment.
Long Range Detection – Aircraft detection out to 18 NM, well beyond FAA minimum range requirements
360 Degree Surveillance – Continuous radar coverage all the way around the obstruction
Automatic Activation – Obstruction lights switch on only when aircraft are approaching
Customizable Zones – Multiple alert zones and activation perimeters set for each site
Universal Compatibility – Works with all turbines, lighting systems, control systems and networks
Continuous Data Recording – Detections, flight tracks, lighting events and system data logged to an internal SQL database
Reliability – Solid-state Doppler radar backed by a full parts and labor warranty
HARRIER ADLS is built on DeTect’s proven HARRIER platform, the same technology used for non-cooperative aircraft detection and UAS sense and avoid applications. Every system combines the radar sensor, processing and lighting control into a single, self-contained installation.
Operational Reliability:
Data and Reporting:
Multi-Function Capability:
With the addition of the MERLIN processor, the same HARRIER sensor platform can also provide bird radar and drone surveillance, giving site operators a single investment that supports aviation lighting, wildlife monitoring and airspace security.
An Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) uses radar to monitor the airspace around a tall structure and switches its obstruction lighting on only when an aircraft is approaching. The rest of the time the lights stay off. DeTect’s HARRIER ADLS is the most widely deployed and proven ADLS on the market, used on wind farms, transmission lines and communication towers.
Yes. HARRIER ADLS has been assessed by the FAA, and the FAA Performance Assessment Report confirms the system met the performance requirements identified in Chapter 14 of Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1M. The system also meets Canadian NAVCAN requirements and relevant EU standards.
HARRIER ADLS detects aircraft out to 18 nautical miles with continuous tracking, exceeding the FAA minimum range requirement by a safety margin of more than 400%. Speed measurement and heading monitoring also exceed agency requirements.
Yes. HARRIER ADLS is compatible with all wind turbines, communication networks, obstruction lighting systems and control systems, and can connect through SCADA or a direct interface.
Yes. HARRIER ADLS is deployed on wind farms, high voltage transmission lines and communication towers. Activation perimeters and alert zones are customized for each site and structure.
HARRIER ADLS continuously monitors its own status and records system information alongside every detection. In line with FAA requirements, the obstruction lighting is set to switch on if the system cannot confirm the airspace is clear, so aviation safety is never compromised.
The system continuously records aircraft detections and flight tracks, lighting activation events and system information to an internal SQL database, with customizable automated reporting to support compliance and stakeholder reporting.
Yes. With the addition of the MERLIN™ processor, the HARRIER™ sensor platform can also provide bird radar and drone surveillance, making it a multi-function system from a single installation.
DeTect pioneered multi-function radar technology, developing the world’s first production radar capable of detecting and tracking small airborne targets including birds, bats and drones.
Since 2003, DeTect’s team of technologists, biologists and aviation specialists has applied that expertise to aviation safety, wind energy and critical infrastructure, including the HARRIER ADLS, developed in response to the Dark Sky initiative to reduce light pollution.
HARRIER ADLS uses ground based, solid-state Doppler radar that detects aircraft at long range in all conditions, giving operators a proven way to meet obstruction lighting requirements while keeping night skies dark.
By switching obstruction lights on only when aircraft are near, HARRIER ADLS helps developers and infrastructure owners reduce light pollution, support permitting and community relations, and lower operating costs, while maintaining aviation safety.
With HARRIER, users receive more than a radar system.
Every deployment is supported by DeTect’s team of application specialists with extensive experience in radar systems, aviation safety and wind energy, working with developers, operators and regulators to design a system that fits each site.
DeTect provides comprehensive support with every system delivery, including site modelling and design, engineering, installation, lighting and SCADA integration, commissioning and operator training.
HARRIER ADLS systems are backed by a full parts and labor warranty, with low acquisition, operations and maintenance costs and installations across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia.
