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Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection radars
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According to the FCC, "Foreign Object Debris (FOD) at airports, including any substance, debris, or object in a location that can damage aircraft or equipment, can seriously threaten the safety of airport personnel and airline passengers and can have a negative impact on airport logistics and operations." (FCC 11-185).
The FCC has granted a waiver to Trex Enterprises Corporation to build FOD detection radars, and for the radars to be operated at airports under Part 90 of the FCC rules. The Trex devices are limited to 100 mW transmit power, 45 dBi gain antennas, 35 dBW total EIRP, vertical polarization, 3 dB beamwidth of 1 deg (elevation) by 0.4 deg (az), and FMCW (elevation scan) chirp rate of 139.5 Hz.
Through the same document (FCC 11-185), the FCC proposes broader flexibility to operate FOD detection radars, and other radars, in the 78-81 GHz band on an unlicensed basis under Part 15.
According to the Trex Enterprises' Web site, full surface coverage "FOD Finder" detection vehicles are already operating at Chicago O'Hare, Honolulu, and San Diego airports, and Elmendorf, Hill, and Holloman Air Force bases.
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Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service11 | Table |
| 78 - 81 GHz | Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection radars | Radiolocation | - |
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