The US Air Force is evaluating technology developed by Israeli company Xsight Systems to rapidly detect damage to runways at air bases outside the USA.

American sources tell FlightGlobal that the aim of the evaluation is to find technology that will enable personnel at USAF bases to obtain information quickly about the nature and extent of damage caused to runways by terrorist attacks or during war, to enable rapid repairs. Its assessment – being conducted at an undisclosed base – involves a spin-off of Xsight's RunWize system, which incorporates automated foreign object debris detection and ground-level bird hazard management.

According to the Israeli company, RunWize uses unique hybrid optical-radar remote-sensing technology and sensors positioned alongside the runway to detect potential hazards. Xsight has a co-operation agreement with US company Leidos, which will be involved in installing the equipment at air force sites if it is selected.

Source: FlightGlobal.com