Abstract: An apparatus for detecting objects on an airport runway. The apparatus comprises a first transmitter adapted to be positioned adjacent to the runway, a first receiver adapted to be positioned adjacent to the runway, a processor operably linked to the first receiver, and a user interface operably linked to the processor. The first transmitter is adapted to emit a first beam of light across the runway to the first receiver and the first receiver is adapted to send a first indication to the processor if the first beam of light is interrupted by an object on the runway. The processor is adapted to send a warning indication to the user interface in response to the first indication and the user interface is adapted to generate a warning upon receipt of the warning indication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting objects or other debris located on an airport runway including an optical laser system for sensing the presence of objects or other debris, object location and object characterizer processing apparatus for receiving an output from the optical laser system for locating and characterizing objects or other debris sensed by the optical laser system, an alarm activation processing apparatus for receiving input from the object location and characterizer processing apparatus or other debris sensing apparatus for indicating the alarm status of objects or other debris and providing an output indication to alarm generating apparatus and to a user interface to alert appropriate personnel.