Infrasound as a Method of Bird/Aircraft Collision Reduction

Bird/aircraft collisions cause USAF more than $45 million per year, and sometimes result in catastrophic loss of life. Large migratory bird populations drawn to a nearby landfill have threatened JFK airport, where safety of flight considerations nearly caused shutdown of the airport. Aircraft operators, including USAF, are now liable for civil damages should an aircraft strike and kill and endangered species of bird. Relatively recent evidence indicates that "infrasound" (below 20Hz) is an important sensory input into bird behavior, providing cues for navigation, and it is theorized, "warnings" that elicit avoidance responseds. The proposed research develops a scientific baseline for gull, raptor, and waterfowl reaction to infrasound. Further, the research would define mechanically replicable infrasound parameters that provide avoidance stimuli to two of the three species. The goal of the research is to test the feasibility of developing an infrasonic device, or family of devices, that could be used around airfields to reduce the occurrence of aircraft/bird collisions by 50% or more. Though definition of conceptual designs, using data gathered from USAF, the contractor performs a Cost and Operational Efffectiveness Analysis to show potential benefits to be gained by Phase II research and/or prototype development.