Enhancing Flight Path Separation to Reduce Birdstrikes with Ultraviolet Radiation 02032021084035
SAE-PP-00243
02/03/2021
- Content
- In the autumn of 2018 a pilot study using a prototype (PAR46 sized) landing light incorporating 5 ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVLEDs) was attached on a one-quarter scale remote controlled (RC) 6 plane. The plane was flown in the direction of birds to measure their behavioral response to the 7 approaching plane with landing light either turned ON or OFF. Data were collected from multiple sources 8 including cameras on the plane and the ground, and a bird radar unit to measure the flight path separation 9 between the plane and the birds. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using 10 UVLEDs integrated into a PAR46 landing light to trigger bird avoidance behavioral responses that would 11 increase flight path separation to reduce the incidence of birdstrikes. The findings showed the mean 12 distance of the avoidance response was statistically significantly greater when the PAR46 with UVLEDs 13 were turned ON than OFF. Field test data were used to create a three-variable model based upon recent 14 neuroscience research corresponding to visual image capture, retinal neuro response, and neuro 15 processing of the brain.
- Citation
- Anthony, L., "Enhancing Flight Path Separation to Reduce Birdstrikes with Ultraviolet Radiation 02032021084035," SAE MobilityRxiv™ Preprint, submitted February 3, 2021, https://doi.org/10.47953/SAE-PP-00243.