About
DeTect, Inc. is a Panama City, Florida-based company specializing in advanced 2D and True3D™ radar and remote sensing platforms for a wide range of safety-critical applications. Their flagship MERLIN radar technology is at the core of several product lines including the Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar (ABAR), Bird and Bat Detection Radar (BDR), DroneWatcher UAS surveillance systems, and Wind Energy Bird Monitoring and Mitigation Systems (BMS/BMMS). Designed for demanding industrial and governmental environments, DeTect's systems serve commercial and military aviation, wind energy operators, communications tower operators, mining and oil & gas facilities, waste management sites, law enforcement, and first responders. The Bird Control Radar Systems (BCRS) provide automated radar-activated deterrence for hazardous waste ponds, landfills, and industrial facilities, while the Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) activates obstruction lighting on wind farms and towers only when aircraft are nearby, reducing light pollution. The DroneWatcher product line delivers multi-layer UAS surveillance and interdiction capabilities, and the BVLOS solution extends safe drone operations beyond visual line of sight. DeTect's platforms are widely deployed across government agencies, airports, military installations, and energy companies worldwide, making them a trusted name in radar-based avian hazard advisory and airspace awareness.
Key Features
- True3D™ Radar Technology: Proprietary 2D and True3D™ radar sensing provides precise volumetric tracking of birds, bats, drones, and aircraft in real time.
- DroneWatcher UAS Surveillance: Multi-layer drone detection, tracking, and interdiction system for securing airspace around critical infrastructure, events, and military installations.
- Birdstrike Avoidance Radar (ABAR): The most widely-used bird radar for managing bird-aircraft strike hazards at commercial and military airports worldwide.
- Wind Energy Bird Monitoring & Mitigation: Automated monitoring and mortality mitigation systems for terrestrial and offshore wind energy sites to support regulatory compliance.
- Radar-Activated Bird Deterrence (BCRS): Automatically activates deterrent devices when birds are detected near hazardous waste ponds, landfills, and industrial facilities.
Use Cases
- Airports deploying ABAR radar to detect bird activity on runways and alert air traffic control to prevent birdstrike incidents.
- Wind farm operators using the BMMS to monitor migratory bird and bat movements and automatically curtail turbines to minimize wildlife collisions.
- Military installations using DroneWatcher to detect and interdict unauthorized drone incursions over sensitive airspace.
- Industrial facilities and landfills using the Bird Control Radar System (BCRS) to automatically activate deterrents when birds approach hazardous areas.
- Drone operators and agencies leveraging DeTect's BVLOS radar infrastructure to safely conduct extended-range unmanned aerial missions.
Pros
- Industry-Proven Technology: MERLIN radar systems are the most widely deployed birdstrike avoidance radar in both commercial and military aviation globally.
- Broad Industry Coverage: A single platform family supports aviation, wind energy, security, oil & gas, law enforcement, and research applications.
- Automated Operations: Radar-activated automation reduces manual monitoring burden, enabling hands-free deterrence, lighting control, and alerts.
Cons
- Enterprise Pricing: Hardware-based radar systems carry significant upfront costs, making them inaccessible for small organizations or low-budget deployments.
- Limited Self-Service Information: Pricing, specifications, and procurement details are not publicly available on the website; direct sales contact is required.
- Hardware Dependency: As a physical radar system, deployment requires on-site installation, infrastructure, and ongoing hardware maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MERLIN radar used for?
The MERLIN radar is a multi-purpose radar platform used for detecting and tracking birds, bats, drones, and aircraft. It is deployed in aviation safety, wind energy monitoring, airspace security, and BVLOS drone operations.
What industries does DeTect serve?
DeTect serves commercial and military aviation, wind energy, communications towers, mining, oil & gas, waste management, first responders, law enforcement, and scientific research institutions.
What is the DroneWatcher system?
DroneWatcher is DeTect's advanced multi-layer UAS (drone) surveillance and interdiction system, capable of detecting, tracking, and responding to unauthorized drone activity around critical sites.
How does the Bird Monitoring and Mitigation System (BMMS) work for wind energy?
The BMMS uses radar to detect birds and bats approaching wind turbines and can automatically trigger turbine curtailment or other mitigation measures to reduce wildlife mortality and support regulatory compliance.
Does DeTect support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations?
Yes, DeTect offers BVLOS solutions that use radar-based airspace awareness to extend safe drone operations beyond the operator's line of sight, enabling broader commercial UAS missions.
