iFerret Towers at Runways

iFerret 2.0 is an AI-powered foreign object debris detection system developed by NCS and owned by Changi Airport Group, providing real-time, 24/7 runway monitoring at Singapore Changi Airport. It uses high-definition electro-optical (EO) sensors and AI software to detect, measure, classify and record debris, and can detect objects as small as 4 cm with over 95% detection rate and location accuracy of about 1 m. It operates in low light, rain, fog and snow, and its cameras also support wildlife detection, pavement condition monitoring and airfield surveillance.

The system is designed to be installed and maintained without disturbing runway operations. Twelve EO sensors cover a 4 km runway, connected by underground cabling, and the sensors are installed away from the runway, so no modification to runway infrastructure or runway closure is needed for installation or maintenance. It is designed to comply with FAA Advisory Circulars 150/5220-24 and 150/5210-24, ICAO Annex 14 and EUROCAE ED-235A.

BIM modelling, BIM coordination and BIM management were provided for NCS Singapore for the sensor towers, covering a repeated structure installed along an operational airfield where location, clearances and access to the runway edge are tightly controlled.