Purivox TA-RC System – Long-Term Test at Ostend-Bruges Airport (EBOS), 2012
In 2012, Ostend-Bruges Airport conducted a six-week long-term field test of the Purivox TA-RC System for bird control. The aim was to assess the system’s effectiveness, reliability, and operational benefits in a real-world airport environment. The results were highly positive.
Test Summary:
- Test duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Touchdown zone RWY 26
- System: Purivox TA-RC gas cannon
- Outcome: Very effective – led to full-scale implementation
Due to the successful test, the airport now operates five TA-RC Systems, significantly improving the speed and efficiency of bird strike prevention operations.
Test Results:
Performance:
- No system malfunctions recorded during the test
- Significant reduction in bird activity („bird pressure“) in the touchdown zone of Runway 26
- All BCU (Bird Control Unit) staff agreed:
→ “This technique has definitely high value!”
Species-Specific Notes:
- Minimal or no effect on birds of prey (e.g. buzzard, kite, kestrel)
Operational Observations:
- Active surface is somewhat sensitive to wind conditions
Benefits Identified:
- Highly effective on all non-predator bird species at EBOS
- Allows BCU teams to operate in other areas simultaneously
- Particularly useful in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas
- No habituation effect (no fixed timer – randomization helps)
- Long range: up to 5 km
- Economical operation with high gas efficiency
- Ideal tool for enhancing bird control strategies
Device Specifications:
- Remote control range: up to 5 km (up to 80 devices simultaneously)
- Power source: Battery + solar-powered
- Explosion pattern: 3 standard blasts
- Gas consumption: Up to 20,000 explosions per gas bottle
