Avoiding Bird Strikes: The Research Behind the Technology
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Promising researchsuggests non-visible lights mounted on helicopters and planes deter birds from aircraft.
FAA Researching Non-visible LED Lights for Prevention of Increasing Bird Strikes
Non-visible Lighting – Rotocraft-FAA Tech CTR Ronning 2021.pdf– A study by the FAA tested non-visible LED landing lights on various aircraft, including remote-controlled models and agricultural planes. Results showed that birds responded at significantly greater distances when non-visible lights were active. The study underscores the potential of non-visible lighting as a cost-effective, scalable tool for wildlife hazard mitigation.
2019 Dwyer et al 2019 non-visible light and sandhill cranes. Birds respond more effectively to non-visible illuminated obstacles, making non-visible lighting a promising mitigation strategy. This study on Sandhill Cranes evaluated a non-visible lighting system to reduce power line collisions. When non-visible lighting was applied, collisions decreased by 98%.
Assessing bird avoidance of high-contrast lights using a choice test approach: implications for reducing human-induced avian mortality
A study published by Purdue Universitydemonstrated that birds detected aircraft more effectively when non-visible or visible light tuned to their visual systems was employed. Specifically, lights with a wavelength of 470 nm were effective in alerting birds to the presence of aircraft earlier, reducing the likelihood of collisions. Pulsing lights were shown to mitigate the “speed effect,” wherein faster aircraft are harder for birds to notice.
Research published in Avian Research revealed that non-visible lights at 365 nm and 400 nm displaced birds from the vicinity of light sources. These lights caused birds to adjust their flight altitude, suggesting that non-visible lighting could influence flight behavior to avoid aircraft. http://j-avianres.com/article/doi/10.1186/s40657-017-0092-3?viewType=HTML
