A RADAR system trialled in Southampton that might have prevented the July 2000 Concorde disaster is being developed and could be introduced at UK airports.

As well as detecting tiny pieces of debris on runways, the Tarsier system could also be used to protect both aircraft and airports from terrorism.

A sharp object on the runway at Paris led to a burst tyre which caused a fire which was the main cause of the crash nearly four years ago of an Air France Concorde. It cost the lives of 113 mainly German passengers.

Tarsier can spot a 2.5-inch bolt a mile away. It is based on millimetre-wave radar which operates at high frequencies.

After being successfully trialled at Southampton Airport, Tarsier is being developed by Farnborough-based Qinetic, a science and technology research company.

Qinetic, formerly the Defence Evaluation Research Agency, is hoping that airport operator BAA will adopt the system for use at its seven UK airports which include Southampton as well as Heathrow and Gatwick.

Runways are checked regularly, but only through eyesight inspections by airport employees.

A Qinetic spokesman said: "A smaller version of Qinetic could be put under an aircraft and act as a surveillance system which would be particularly useful if the plane was landing in a country where there was unrest.

"It could detect any suspicious person approaching the aircraft. Tarsier could also be used to guard airport perimeter fences."