LONDON -

The Frost & Sullivan ‘2009 Global Commercial Aviation Service Technology Innovation of the Year Award’, is presented to LORD Ingenierie for developing a unique, automatic, laser-based bird deterrent system, TOM500.

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“This technology is a breakthrough in bird deterrent systems for airports since it is completely automatic and laser-based with a diameter of 6 inches that is wide enough to keep birds away from the runway and vicinity,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Gautam Kanal. “The award acknowledges the company’s ability to develop an innovative technology that has the potential to become an industry standard in the future. “

So far, bio-acoustic bird deterrent systems were the only recourse to bird attacks but the distinguishing feature of LORD Ingenierie’s TOM500 is its use of laser technology. This automatic, laser-based system will reduce the loss of time, accelerate workflow, and aid in achieving a higher level of automation. Moreover, since it is completely automatic, the cost of employing labour and patrolling the airfield for bird deterrence is dramatically reduced, in turn lowering operation costs at airports.

“This impressively effective, visual technique is the first and only technology that has been developed for the aviation community by specialised ornithologists and aviation authorities - International Bird Strike Committee (IBSC) and the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), respectively,” adds Kanal.

The technology first implemented at the Beauvais City airport (the Paris hub of low cost carrier, Ryanair, in 2006) has since been adopted by airports at Barcelona, China and Schiphol. Scandinavia, Ireland and Bangladesh have expressed their strong interest in the technology.

The innovation has kept in mind the hazards caused by laser usage and the fact that birds become immune to sounds or lights, leaving the mechanism or technology ineffective. LORD Ingenierie has effectively addressed this challenge by using a class 2M laser technology that emits a visible output below 1mW catering to a distance of 1500m. The laser used is as per IEC 60825-1 standards for Laser Safety and adheres to environmental norms, not causing harm to either humans or the ecosystem.

“The significance of this system also lies in its ability to constantly sweep across the runway at speeds of up to 2,000 feet/min and 1 to 1.5 feet above the runway centerline, which ensures up to 94 per cent reduction in bird activity at the runway, as reported by users,” notes Kanal. “The TOM500 system delivers a 6-inch diameter expanded and collimated beam over a working distance of 5,000 feet which can cover an area of up to 10,000 feet, depending on the runway profile and airfield topography.”

TOM500 is maintenance-free and needs to be serviced only once in 6 months as compared to bio-acoustic systems which require it more frequently. The company is developing its customer support team to handle electronics, optics and software to enable airports to better understand the technology. Service packages are priced economically, adding value to customers adopting the technology at airports.

Frost & Sullivan’s Technology Innovation of the Year Award is bestowed upon a company or individual that has carried out new research, which has resulted in innovation(s) that have or are expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. This award recognises the quality and depth of a company’s research and development program as well as the vision and risk-taking that enabled it to undertake such an endeavour.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About LORD Ingenierie

LORD Ingenierie is a France-based technology company specialized in advanced digital imaging solutions and optical systems for the industry. Founded in 1985, LORD Ingenierie leverages over 20 years of experience and technology expertise to create value for its customers and help them get the competitive edge.

LORD Ingenierie Contact: Ole Hansen - International Sales Executive Phone: +45-22-15-55-68 E-Mail: o.hansen@lord-ing.com

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit www.frost.com.

Frost & Sullivan Contact: Jasmine Malone - Promotions Coordinator Phone: +44-207-915-7869 E-Mail:jasmine.malone@frost.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Jasmine Malone - Promotions Coordinator of Frost & Sullivan, +44-207-915-7869, jasmine.malone at frost.com; or Ole Hansen - International Sales Executive of LORD Ingenierie, +45-22-15-55-68, o.hansen at lord-ing.com