The US Air Force has ordered a Merlin aircraft birdstrike avoidance radar system for Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

The system will be deployed to provide real-time 3D monitoring of airspace around the airfield to provide bird strike warnings to air traffic controllers and pilots.

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The Merlin SS200m system includes DeTect’s new-generation MERLIN SharpEye solid-state bird radar sensors that detect hazardous bird activity up to eight miles and 360° around the airfield in all weather conditions.

The military series Merlin unit also includes a Kevlar hardened electronics / technician cabin, redundant dual-range processors, dual power units, military desert paint scheme and Milspec off-road construction.

DeTect CEO Gary Andrews said that the Bagram MERLIN system is the first use of bird radar technology in a war zone.

The system originally developed for US Air Force and NASA has three units installed to date at US airbases.

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The system will be operational by the end of 2009.

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