Understanding FOD Automated Detection Systems

Trex provides systems made to detect any Foreign Object Debris (FOD) with our automated FOD detection systems. At Trex Aviation Systems, we are experts in FOD detection, providing our customers with the correct system. We have 30+ years of experience and are the only FOD manufacturer in the US. Our solutions meet the needs of commercial markets and armed forces through millimeter-wave radar FOD detection systems.

FOD on the runway can cause harm to passengers and aircraft crew and damage to the airline’s reputation. Trex’s aviation safety technology will ensure the safety of all and save money on all ends of the spectrum. 

The Role of Automated Detection Systems in Aviation Safety

Although manual FOD detection methods are useful, they are not enough to ensure empty airways. The evolution of automated FOD detection systems is here to stay, detecting any FOD.

How Automated FOD Detection Works

At Trex, we use advanced millimeter-wave (MMW) radar systems in our products, one of the key features of the FOD Finder™. 

Advantages of Automated FOD Detection

Automated FOD Detections provide accurate and speedy debris identification. Get ready for a full reduction in both operational disruptions and costs and prioritize the safety of the aircraft, passengers, and personnel.

Trex Aviation Systems: Innovating FOD Detection

The Trex FOD Finder™ V2 System identifies the location of each detected FOD within two meters of anywhere within the designated monitoring area.  The FOD Finder™ V2 can function in all-weather environments, day or night.

With the optional scissor lift accessory, the FOD radar can be automatically raised during operation and returned to its stowing position inside the bed of the truck to avoid low clearance hazards and following an FOD run.

Choose Trex Aviation for FOD Detection

Automated FOD detection is incredibly important for the safety of others and the reputation of the airline. Explore Trex Aviation Systems’ products today for your airport safety needs. For other inquiries not found online, call Trex at 1-866-967-6890

How FOD Impacts Aircraft Maintenance Costs

In order to maintain safety of both passengers and airside operations, it is vital to have Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management for aviation safety. The smallest piece of debris can cause a significant amount of damage to the aircraft, its engine and the airway, meaning a financial burden for repair. Trex Aviation Systems addresses any risk or damage with our FOD Finder™, an automated FOD detection system. This advanced technology has been perfected and crafted to pick up on any FOD on a taxiway or runway. This solution will reduce aircraft maintenance costs.

 What Is Foreign Object Debris (FOD)?

FOD stands for foreign object debris which is classified as any object left on a runway or taxiway. These objects could be tools left from maintenance crew, wildlife, luggage, concrete fragments or aircraft parts. These items could be left or dropped by crew, dragged by wildlife or natural conditions like wind and rain. 

The Financial Burden of FOD on Airlines

Engine digestion, airframe damage and tire damage are the three common repairs that take place from Foreign Object Debris (FOD). 

Engine Ingestion is when an aircraft’s engine digests FOD which can cause a complete engine overhaul, depending on the type of engine the repairs can cost millions of dollars. The repair for a large commercial aircraft ranges from $1 million to $2 million for complete engine overhaul. 

Airframe Damage refers to when FOD can dent and even crack an aircraft’s wings and fuselage, the repair can require full part replacement leading to a costly and time consuming expense. 

Tires can also be harmed from FOD costing between $5,000 and $10,000 per tire; depending on how many tires are damaged the cost will increase. 

The FAA estimates that FOD costs the aviation industry $4 billion annually.

The Hidden Costs of FOD Incidents

Indirect impact can additionally cause passenger dissatisfaction leading to reputational damage for the airline. Costs from fuel consumption in the midst of delay or emergency caused by possible FOD can lead to environmental costs as well.

How Automated FOD Detection Reduces Maintenance Costs

The FOD Finder™ can both detect and mitigate FOD saving an airline time and costs when real-world disruptions occur. When using proactive FOD management savings will be spared, runway closures will be reduced and maintenance downtime. Automated FOD detections systems will save your day, the FOD Finder™ is the solution for the costs of aircraft maintenance.

Choose Trex Aviation Systems for FOD Management 

Explore solutions like Trex Aviation Systems’ FOD Finder™, reduce the significant costs and reputational damage from unhappy customers. Proactive FOD management is essential, choose Trex today and explore our products.

Oris W. Dunham Jr. Joins the Trex Aviation Systems Board

San Diego, CA, Oct. 12, 2015—Trex Enterprises Corporation announced today that Oris W. Dunham Jr. has become a director of the Trex Aviation Systems board.   Mr. Dunham is a world expert on airports and the aviation industry with more than five decades of experience. He currently serves as Chairman of the Foundation for the American Association of Airport Executives.

After a career in the Air Force and a 10-year stint in aviation engineering and sales, Mr. Dunham was appointed Director of Aviation for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.  He then moved on to Deputy Executive Director for operations and administration of Los Angeles Department of Airports, and finally was appointed Director of Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport.  He was the first appointed Director General of the Airport Council International out of Geneva, Switzerland.  Mr. Dunham now operates an aviation consulting and development business internationally.

“We are honored to have Mr. Dunham join us as we focus our efforts on growing our aviation technologies and solutions,” said Kenneth Y. Tang, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Trex Enterprises Corporation.

Trex Enterprises is an international leader in millimeter-wave imaging, radar and high speed communications. Trex Aviation Systems, a subsidiary of Trex Enterprises, has developed FOD Finder™ based on millimeter-wave radar technology that has been evaluated and reported by FCC with perfect detection capability day and night under all weather conditions. FOD Finder™ has received FCC waiver to operate at the airport.

Trex Aviation Systems is the only company that has FOD detection systems to cover the entire airport surface area. The fixed FOD Finder™ system detects and identifies foreign object debris on runways enabling airport maintenance crews to safely protect airplanes and avoid tire damage while keeping the runways clean. The truck-mount mobile FOD FinderTM   system can run up to 30 miles an hour for FOD detection and removal on runway, taxiway and other areas at the airport.

“Trex Enterprises Corporation and Trex Aviation Systems are exciting companies with important cutting-edge technologies and products unique to the aviation industry which will make air transportation safer and our U.S. military stronger,” said Oris W. Dunham Jr.  “I am excited to embark on this new opportunity and look forward to sharing my experience with such a strong technical team.”

 

About Trex Aviation Systems:


Trex Aviation Systems was established in 2005 with the goal of identifying sources of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on airport surfaces using technology derived from its parent company Trex Enterprises Corporation.  We leveraged the extensive experience in millimeter-wave radar systems for wire detection aboard helicopters from Trex Enterprises.  As a result, Trex Aviation Systems developed a core product line that specializes in the

protection and safety of airport operations—the FOD Finder™, a robust solution to FOD detection and control on airport surfaces. (www.fodfinder.com)

 

About Trex Enterprises Corporation:


Trex Enterprises Corporation (Trex) is a diversified high-technology company specializing in cutting-edge technical solutions and products to improve performance across the electromagnetic spectrum. We have developed a strong base of proprietary technologies in microwave sensing, high resolution imaging, digital signal processing, applied optics and materials. Our fundamental business strategy is the development of dual-use technologies.  We receive U.S. government support for programs relating to the defense, homeland security and force protection needs of our Nation and allies. We advance the creation of new business ventures and subsidiaries through our commercial incubation strategy to address market needs.  To date, we have created six ventures backed with outside equity participation. Established in 1978 as Western Research Corporation, we operated in San Diego, California. From 1988 until 2000 we were part of Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE: TMO), a Fortune 400 company.  In 2000, our employees bought ThermoTrex’s R&D division and became Trex Enterprises Corporation.  Today we are a privately-held company, with headquarters in San Diego, California and facilities in New Mexico, Hawaii (Honolulu, Kauai, Maui) and Massachusetts. (www.trexenterprises.com)