Airport field evaluation of an optically-connected 96 GHz millimeter-wave radar system for runway foreign object debris detection

Detection of small foreign object debris (FOD) on airport runways is important to prevent accidents. In this study, an FOD detection system that utilizes optically-connected 96 GHz millimeter-wave radar has been developed. This detection system uses Radio-over-Fiber signal transmission between a signal source and several radar antenna units. Further, field evaluations of the developed radar system are carried out at the Tokyo Narita International Airport. The results confirm that the proposed system is capable of detecting objects surrounding the radar antenna. In addition, a 1 inch × 1 inch (diameter × height) metal cylinder is detected with approximately 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio at 450 m.