Paris airport installs FOD system

PARIS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- An automated foreign object debris detection system supplied by Thales of France has been installed at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.

The FODspot system operates at a key taxiway intersection, the company said.

FODspot is a scalable system to secure critical airport areas, such as intersections and FOD-prone hotspots where aircraft and vehicles travel.

Thales describes the system as the "only hybrid automatic FOD detection system that simultaneously uses cameras and radar for active detection of debris, including the unique ascription feature, statistical analysis tools and recording."

"We have selected FODspot as a cost-effective introduction to the latest FOD detection technology," said Gerard Batistella, general manager of Airside Facilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

"It is expandable to cover the travel surfaces that are the most subject to FOD. The ascription feature allows CDG to take safety to the next level, FOD is not only detected but the source is also identified, enabling investigation and education for future prevention."

Thales was responsible for the installation, integration and support of the FOD detection system. It selected the FOD detection technology developed by its technology and commercial partner, Xsight Systems, for the contract.

The FODspot technology is fully compliant with U.S. Federal Aviation Authority requirements.