Aviation and Airport

British air force tests unmanned jetliner
Two-hour flight shows off Qinetic’s UAV command and control interface; the next step is to to fly the jetliner, a fighter jet, and a fleet of UAVs simulateously without stepping into a cockpit
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Portendo teams with Swedish government to develop explosives detectors
Deal signals growing European awareness of terrorist risk; Swedish Defense Research Agency will help improve Portendo’s nSure sensors; in return, Portendo will help FOI with their own ESSEX technology
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AFGE looks again to unionize airport security screeners
Federal law prohibits labor organizing in that industry, but a recent UN ruling and an incoming Democratic majority gives hope to the American Federation of Government Employees
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Snakes on the plane no movie for Phillipines authorities
X-ray screener finds 60 snakes stuffed into two suitcases; reptile smuggling a major problem in Southeast Asia; consequences for smuggler, animals unknown
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Transportation sector lags behind in forming DHS "sector council"
National Infrastructure Protection Plan asks industry groups to form councils to advise DHS on critical assets, risk assessments, and an agreed security approach; so far, diverse nature of transportation has been a major road block; TSA now encouraging the development of smaller subsector councils, but still hopes for an industry-wide group
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TSA finalizes Registered Traveler fees
Announced background screening fee of $28 may save this valuable program; previous suggestions of $100 might have broken the market; full steam ahead for Verified Identity Pass
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NY/NJ Port Authority looks to replace Haynes security
Ethical problems compounded with severe security breaches to raise doubts about company’s competence; local congressman suggests the $89 million contract to provide guards at LaGuardia and JFK not be renewed when it expires in January
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Magal
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NIST scientists adapt voice recognition to detect birds at airports
Current technology cannot distinguish between a Canada goose and a carrier pigeon; to help airport controllers defend against avian interference — birds have caused $2 billion in damage since 1990 — NIST adapts biometrics meant for humans
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On Track Innovations scoops up SuperCom
At a cost of $21 million, OTI acquires a number of critical anti-countefeiting and production patents; company looks to expand ePassport and national ID business; Israeli industry consolidation continues
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U.S. Helicopter raises $4,500,000 in financing
A New York company offering helicopter shuttle service from area airports — and quicker security screening — raises $4.5 million in funding
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ACRO develops a pen-like TATP detector
As an increasing number of companies develop portable, self-contained laboratories, ARCO jumps ahead to fight a common terrorist explosive; technology uses enzyme-catalyzed oxidation to produce colored pigments; low cost per unit a huge attraction for pen devices
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Optosecurity solves the liquid explosives problem
Technology relies on standard 2D X-ray imaging; attached to legacy systems, Optoscreener XMS identifies threats by their molecular signatures; passengers place their plastic quart bags on the conveyor; system can even detect if a person is hiding liquids in their carry-on luggage
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DHS brings explosives detection pilot program to Seattle-Takoma
Previously at SFO, program is helping DHS work out the logistical kinks involved with air cargo explosives detection; sussing out human smuggling a priority as well, with officials looking to carbon dioxide emissions as a critical clue
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Canada issues proposed regulations for new airport security card
The Restricted Area Identity Card will be issued to 120,000 airport personel at twenty-nine Canadian airports; both fingerprint and iris scanning biometrics to be used; new regulations offer details about deployment, privacy, continuity, and record keeping procedures
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