About 500 companies in the US manufacture search and detection equipment. The airline, auto and fishing industries, police and fire departments and boating enthusiasts all use search and detection equipment. The Department of Defense uses search and detection equipment developed specifically for it. Most companies build commercial products to stock.

Detection and search equipment use different technologies. In water, people use sonar and radar technologies. Aircraft and space travel industries rely on radar and GPS. Nuclear plant personnel use radiation detection and radiation testers for safety control, as do the Homeland and Defense departments including police and fire departments and EMT personnel.

1. Detection equipment includes police speeding sensors, fishing sensing detectors and depth finders.

2. The Department of Defense uses detection and search equipment provided by eight of the largest companies specializing in the market.

3. Manufacturers base aircraft detection systems and navigational aids for land vehicles on ground positioning systems (GPS) technology. Most nations support some form of GPS technology.

4. Sonar provides underwater navigation and detection and is also a high-ticket item for the Department of Defense.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find aircraft detection equipment that works best for your industry

Aircraft detection equipment includes screen panels in the plane and air traffic control rooms on the ground. Whether you own a private charter business or a freight service, you reduce the risk involved in flying when you use search and detection equipment.

I recommend: Garmin, one of the largest manufacturers of detection equipment, develops detection equipment for use in the air. Sensis makes an air traffic detection system that allows air traffic controllers to know where every plane is without worrying about blind spots.

Consider the use for search and detection equipment used by the military

The Department of Defense uses custom-made equipment and systems manufactured by companies that have strong relationships with defense needs. It is fairly common to see these items sell in the public sector.

I recommend: Boeing Integrated Defense Systems combines surveillance systems with military capabilities. Raytheon is a global technology company that incorporates search and detection capabilities in missile defense systems and integrated defense systems. It also designs and produces search equipment using sensing technologies.

Use search equipment designed for water

Whether you're searching for Spanish gold off the coast of the Caribbean or you research coral reef, radar and sonar detectors can help you complete your job.

I recommend: Kellyco sells magnetometers and other underwater detection equipment that you can use to detect metal underwater. Auroralites Safety Systems produces underwater cameras and hand-held metal detectors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Eight companies who make search and detection equipment control 75% of the market. The Department of Defense and Home Security utilize the majority of the contracts with the largest companies for the development of aircraft search systems and other detection systems.