Foreign object detection using radar

This paper describes work undertaken by the Marconi Research Centre (MRC) to investigate the viability of using a low power microwave radar to detect and classify Foreign Objects (FOD) being ingested by a jet engine. The paper discusses the problems caused by FOD. It then presents the program of work, the facility used and a selection of results. The paper reports the high probabilities (>80%) achieved in successfully detecting and correctly classifying FOD as damaging or non-damaging.