Abstract: A system operative to protect aircraft and possibly other objects against bird strikes by mounting or disposing a protective components including protective lighting and protective reflective coating on the aircraft, wherein the protective coating is structured to enhance the visibility of the aircraft to birds. The protective lighting and or reflective coating is at least partially disposable in a predetermined location on the aircraft which is commonly observed. A controller is operative with said lighting assembly and configured to perform multi-mode capabilities operative to regulate illumination modes of the lighting assembly. The operative illumination modes are variable and at least partially dependent on a geographical location of the aircraft during flight.

Abstract: A method for aircraft surface contamination detection and measurement includes: mounting a laser probe on an airfoil; positioning the laser probe to emit laser energy at multiple pre-determined surface points along the leading edge of the airfoil; and using a processor device for activating the laser probe and obtaining measurement data for generating a surface contour of the shape and accurate measurement of the depth of airfoil icing in the surface target area. The icing data is presented to the pilot in a display that alerts him to the icing and accurately shows the depth and shape of the airfoil icing.

Abstract: A method for aircraft surface contamination detection and measurement includes: mounting a laser probe on an airfoil; positioning the laser probe to emit laser energy at multiple pre-determined surface points along the leading edge of the airfoil; and using a processor device for activating the laser probe and obtaining measurement data for generating a surface contour of the shape and accurate measurement of the depth of airfoil icing in the surface target area. The icing data is presented to the pilot in a display that alerts him to the icing and accurately shows the depth and shape of the airfoil icing.

Abstract: A solar cell generates electricity, a housing for the solar cell and/or sensor is configured to suit an environment in which the housing is to be deployed so that a person who is in the environment and in eye contact with the housing is unaware that the housing is associated with a solar cell and/or sensor. A port couples the generated electricity to a device that senses human activity in the vicinity of the apparatus.