Integrated Multi-Technology Bird Deterrence System
The Secondary Deterrence Unit (SDU) is a field-deployed bird deterrence platform for airports and bird-sensitive environments. It combines acoustic, laser and propane sound-cannon deterrence in one unit, with automatic, manual and remote operation as part of an integrated bird detection and deterrence system.
Feature highlights
- Integrated deterrence. Acoustic, laser and propane sound-cannon technologies in one field unit.
- 356 m coverage. Each SDU provides deterrence coverage across a 356-metre diameter zone.
- Automatic operation. The unit can be activated according to configured detection and deterrence rules.
- Manual and remote control. Authorised operators can activate selected deterrence methods when required.
- Radar integration. Designed to operate as part of an integrated bird detection and deterrence system.
- Distributed deployment. Multiple SDUs can be positioned across protected airport operational areas.
Deterrence technologies
- Sonic and ultrasonic acoustics. Ultrasonic output across 15-25 kHz and sonic output across 3-5 kHz.
- Green laser. A 520 nm Class 3B laser effective up to 400 m by day and over 2,000 m at night.
- Propane sound cannon. 130 dB at 1 m, on a selectable firing interval from 30 seconds to 2 hours.
Deployment
The SDU is a fixed outdoor installation, deployed across the area it protects. Multiple units can be positioned around runways, taxiways and aircraft movement areas and controlled as part of the central bird detection and deterrence system, with each unit also addressable on its own.
Deterrence can be triggered automatically from the detection system, by an operator at the control position, or remotely, so the response to a detected hazard can be selected for the situation rather than fixed in advance.
Technical specifications
SDU system
| Product Type | Secondary Deterrence Unit (SDU) |
| System Type | Integrated Bird Deterrence System |
| Coverage Diameter | 356 m |
| Deterrence Technologies | Sonic / Ultrasonic Acoustic, Green Laser, Propane Sound Cannon |
| Operating Modes | Automatic / Manual / Remote |
| Bird Detection System Integration | Supported |
| Individual SDU Control | Supported |
| Deployment / Installation | Distributed field deployment / Fixed outdoor installation |
Acoustic deterrence
| Output Type | Sonic & Ultrasonic |
| Ultrasonic Frequency Range | 15-25 kHz |
| Sonic Frequency Range | 3-5 kHz |
| Ultrasonic Sound Pressure | 95-102 dB at 1 m per speaker |
| Sonic Sound Pressure | 105-110 dB at 1 m per speaker |
| Speaker Dimensions | 4 × 4 × 6 in |
Laser deterrence
| Laser Class | Class 3B |
| Light / Wavelength | Green / 520 nm ± 10 nm |
| Optical Output Power | 400 mW |
| Daytime Effective Range | Up to 400 m |
| Nighttime Effective Range | Over 2,000 m |
| Environmental Protection | IP67 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to approx. +65°C |
| Housing Material | Aircraft-grade aluminium, anodised finish |
| Dimensions | 8.7 × 1.5 × 1.6 in |
| Weight | 10 oz / approx. 283 g |
| Operating Modes | Momentary / Strobe |
Propane sound cannon
| Sound Pressure Level | 130 dB at 1 m |
| Selectable Firing Interval | 30 seconds to 2 hours |
| Random Modes | 2 |
| Multi-Shot Capability | 1, 2 or 3 shots |
| Timing Precision | ± 1% |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| LPG Efficiency | Approx. 20,000 cycles per 20 lb LPG tank |
| Cannon Dimensions | 101.6 × 25.4 × 12.7 cm |
| Cannon Weight | 10.2 kg |
| Tripod Weight | 3.6 kg |
| Remote Activation | Supported |
| Emissions Compliance | FCC Part 15 Subpart B; EN 61000-6-3:2007; ICES-001 Issue 4 |
Applications
- Runways
- Taxiways
- Aircraft movement areas
- Airport perimeter
- Wildlife-sensitive zones
Safety
The laser deterrent is a Class 3B device, and deterrence methods are activated by authorised operators or by the detection rules configured for the site. The propane sound cannon meets FCC Part 15 Subpart B, EN 61000-6-3:2007 and ICES-001 Issue 4.


