New infrared camera systems have been installed on two runways at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to enhance runway safety.

The systems, which are built by technology service provider QinetiQ, use radars to scan the airport’s runways 24/7 for any material that might pose a risk to aircraft.

Specialised cameras with night-vision technology are outfitted to each radar to identify and remove debris.

The infrared technology enables the system to work in low-visibility conditions.

A TarsierFOD radar system was also installed on the airport’s northern runway in 2008, which can detect small objects within a distance of 3m.