ECP COMPLETES PHASE II OF DETECT SYSTEM INSTALLATION, ADDING THIRD LAYER OF SECURITY
PANAMA CITY, FL (November 10, 2017) –Northwest Florida Beaches
International Airport (ECP) in partnership with DeTect, a local
technology‐based firm with several projects that enhance aviation
security and safety, announced completion of the installation of a dual
function MERLIN™ Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar and a
DroneWatcher™ Drone Detection and Defense system called
DroneWatcher DSR at ECP.
The DroneWatcher DSR provides a third layer of drone detection
and defense for the airport. The DSR additionally functions as a bird radar
providing real‐time bird‐ aircraft strike risk alerts to airport flight safety
managers. Drone incursion alerts and birdstrike risk alerts are provided to airport users via custom, realtime
web displays and through automated text messaging.
In April, the company installed DroneWatcherRF sensors and APP enabled devices at the airport as
phase one of the project. The radar sensor installation completes the full system implementation to
provide real time detection, tracking and automated alerting of both bird and drone strike risk to
aircraft.
“At ECP we are constantly striving to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and security of our
passengers and staff. DeTect’s systems are the perfect way to do just that.”, said Parker W. McClellan
Jr., airport Executive Director. “Our partnership with DeTect offers the airport cutting edge technology
that will enhance safety measures, and we are proud to say we’re the first to do it”.
Bird activity and drone situational data, incursion alerts
and risk levels are delivered to airport users through
custom, real‐time web displays and by automated text
messaging. With this installation, ECP is the first
commercial airport in the world to install a dual birddrone
detection radar system.
Today, MERLIN is the only bird radar being used
operationally by air traffic controllers to issue real‐time
birdstrike risk alerts to pilots. With the add‐on DroneWatcher module and RF sensors, the MERLIN system
additionally detects, locates and interdicts drones and operators, allowing the technology to address the
emerging threat to aircraft from drones operating near airports.
DeTect’s President and CEO Gary Andrews said. “ECP is one of the first airports in the US to install a
comprehensive drone detection system. We are pleased that our technology is being used to create
probably one of the safest airports in the country”
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.