The edge light-type FOD detection system is composed of an edge light-type detection sensor and background system. The detection sensor is mainly used to detect and take photos of FOD, and the background system is mainly used for process control, information processing and display. The edge light-type detection sensor integrates a radar and an optical camera. When FOD is detected by the radar, the images are verified optically, or the radar can be integrated with the visual system.

The tower-type FOD detection system is composed of a tower-type detection sensor and background system. Similar to the edge light-type FOD detection sensor, the tower-type detection sensor is mainly used for detecting and taking photos of FOD, and the background system is mainly used for process control, information processing and display. The tower-type detection sensors integrates an radar and an optical camera. When FOD is detected by the radar, the images are verified optically, or the radar can be integrated with the visual system. Tower-type FOD detection systems that are limited to optical detection sensors are rarely used due to their poor detection capabilities during dark nights and foggy days.

Edge light-type FOD detection sensors are associated with runway edge lights. For one 3,600m length runway, 120 sensors are needed. Compared with tower-type FOD detection sensors, edge light-type FOD detection sensors have high detection capabilities and are able to obtain clearer optical images, but require extensive power supply and communication system construction work, so they are applicable to new runways.

Tower-type FOD detection sensors are installed more than 200m from the runway centerline. For one 3,600m runway, 7 to 8 sensors are needed, which means less extensive construction work. However, the installation of tower-type FOD detection sensors is restricted by clearance and enclosure, so their installation design must be based on the specific conditions.