Aviation and Airport

New analytical technique for detecting liquid explosives
ASU professor set out to develop a more sensitive enzymatic detector for better management of diabetics, and realized that the technology may be used for quick and accurate detection of liquid explosives; and a good thing, too, as terrorists show a greater tendency to move away from commercial explosives toward home-made ones
- Read more
Raytheon wins $3.7 million phase 1 STIP contract
Award follows news of Rapsican success; company will help integrate Threat Image Projection Ready X-ray systems into STIP network; when complete, approximately 1200 TRX systems will be on-line at eighty airports nationwide.
- Read more

TSA no-fly list under scrutiny for over-enrollment
More than 30,000 people have asked to be removed due to error, yet TSA often fails to do so; DOJ is currently working to develop better procedures; linking the list to relevant biometric systems may be the best solution, if an enterprising company steps in to help
- Read more
Rapsican Systems wins $13 million phase two STIP contract
Following succesful tests, company will install its security networking software at airports nationwide; system monitors X-ray machines and metal and explosives detectors for maintenance and performance analysis; deal puts Rapsican in an enviable position for future security roll-outs
- Read more

Extensive testing behind new TSA liquid container rules
Officials attempted to replicate London bomb plot; by testing various quantities of explosive liquids, TSA officials found the level where damage could be done without imperiling an airplane; plastic-bag regulations to continue indefinitely
- Read more
TSA considers replacing airport X-rays with EDSs
Move prompted by spate of recent problems; ability to detect liquid explosives a key requirement, but technology is immature; cost an issue as well; recent TSA purchases include orders from Analogic and Reveal Imaging
- Read more

U.S.-E.U. relations under strain over visa waiver program
U.S. refuses to allow new E.U. countries to participate citing security concerns; in response, the European Commission says it will recommend imposing visa requirements on U.S. diplomats
- Read more
European court deadline for data sharing agreement passes
Negotiations will continue while the U.S. defers imposing $6,000 fines; privacy rights at issue, but U.S. will not budge on refusal to allow passengers to inspect shared information
- Read more

Joke at Tim Hawley's expense leads to unfunny security delay
Screeners at Milwaukee airport find nothing to laugh at when passenger writes “Tim Hawley is an idiot” on plastic bag
- Read more
San Diego shows promise as homeland security incubator
Local companies take advantage of proximity to high education; Daylight Solutions offers a hand held trace explosive detector that relies on lasers; Seacoast Science “volitaile organic chemical detector” identifies sarin, acetone, and other deadly chemicals
- Read more

Airport screening system under strain says TSA
A dearth of screeners and cumbersome explosive detectors contribute to problem; fix to cost $5 billion; selling federal tax credits one possible way to get more efficient machines on line
- Read more
GE signs deal with Dubai for luggage screening systems
CTX 900s to be deployed at Dubai International Airport; Arab Middle East market is booming as states deal with economic growth and homegown terrorism; airport, one of the largest in region, is a prime business opportunity for the security-minded
- Read more

TSA considers shifting money from puffers to X-rays
Criticism of explosive trace detection system reliability compunded by fear of liquid explosives; TSA believes newer X-rays will better detect liquid containers, though not the explosives themselves
- Read more
Update: TSA lowers proposed Registered Traveler Program fees from $100 to $30
Move follows industry and program participant objections; high fees might have killed the program
- Read more
DHS relaxes on-board liquid transport restriction
Starting tomorrow, passengers can carry-on items purchased in secure airport areas; home products okay if less than three ounces, capable of fitting in a one quart plastic bag
- Read more

More headlines