Altitude Labs
Strike Shield
by Altitude Labs
Vision
Our vision is to prevent bird strikes, safeguarding human lives by mitigating the catastrophic impacts of these incidents through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication to aviation safety.
Mission
"Our mission is to harness the power of crowdsourced data and machine learning, leveraging historical insights to provide predictive solutions that help all aircraft, including those without thermal sensors, avoid bird strikes and. ensure safer skies for everyone."
More about Strike Shield
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The integration of bird-detection technology with advanced autopilot systems is under active exploration, though widespread adoption will require time. Key factors such as cost, standardization of technology, and regulatory approvals will play a significant role in determining how quickly these systems become standard in commercial and general aviation. Existing solutions, such as the use of UV lights to deter birds, are limited in their effectiveness, as they primarily address risks during takeoff and landing and are not applicable at higher altitudes where bird strikes, although less frequent, can still occur.​
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We aim to leverage technology to crowdsource and analyze existing data, providing valuable insights to pilots, particularly for aircraft without integrated sensors, to enhance bird strike prevention while existing solutions are gradually adopted.​
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In-Console Display
When we detect potential bird strike based on historical data, we can display on the cockpit console
Pilot apps like Garmin:
We want to offer a platform that exposes crowdsourced data and data based on historical data analysis. Applications like Garmin that pilots use in flight can show this information.
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We will show potential bird strikes based on real-time information from other nearby flights that have sensors in red
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We will also show potential bird strikes based on historical information in yellow
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Pilot can click on a bird and see below details on the split screen:​
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The projected path of the birds and the aircraft are shown
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Birds or flocks are shown at their relative position and altitudes around the plane.
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A recommended flight adjustment (e.g., slight climb or turn) is shown on the display.
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Numerical values (e.g., 1,000 feet ahead, +500 feet altitude) display relative distance and height difference between the aircraft and birds.
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The size of the bird and the density to indicate the flock of birds is displayed
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About Altitude Labs
Our Story - Shrish and Nimalan are middle schoolers with an interest in aviation. They were shocked to find out that the aviation industry spends roughly 1 billion dollars yearly on bird strikes. They were determined to solve this problem. After hours of brainstorming and thoughtful consideration, they came up with a company called Altitude Labs. Shrish and Nimalan launched a product for their company known as Strike Shield.
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​I am a 14-year-old rowing enthusiast who enjoys going to practices and being part of the sport. I’m also an aviation lover, aspiring to become a pilot when I grow older. I love planes,
know a lot about them, and enjoy the outdoors and swimming. I’m eager to get my Student Pilot Permit (SPP) as soon as I turn 16.
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Varun is a talented pilot and an Air National Guard. He can speak multiple languages like, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and English. Varun is our Mentor and guide for the Conrad challenge. He inspired us to focus on Bird Strikes. He has a Private Pilot License. He loads and unloads cargo onto and off the aircraft in the U.S.A's army reserve.
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​​​​​Nimalan is a driven 14 year old boy with a whole new level of creativity around him. He is fascinated by airplanes and dream cars, and always has been. In the future, Nimalan sees himself flying around the world in a Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Apart from that, Nimalan likes to practice and continuously improve himself through the use of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Nimalan is not only involved with flying, but also bikes for leisure and adventure, plays the piano, plays tennis competitively and runs marathons which really pushes him to his limits. His ambition and focus are extremely motivational and forces him into believing he is meant to fly high whether that is on the ground or in the clouds.
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