Aviation and Airport

Liquid explosives a known problem for Chinese authorities
In two incidents, passengers doused airline cabins with gasoline; one died after the plane went up in flames, the other was subdued after demanding transit to Taiwan
- Read more
University researchers promote biometric screening, emphasize speed
Researchers at the University of Buffalo are working on (and desire further funding for) a chemical detection system that scans passengers’ hands for minute traces of explosives
- Read more

BAE Systems' commercial aircraft missile defense system enters Phase III at DHS
The JETEYE system, adapted from the US Army’s infrared countermeasures system, has entered Phase III of testing. The 18 month program will help the company refine the technology and meet the DHS mean time failure rate.
- Read more
Leaked DHS report says X-rays are ineffective at detecting explosives
According to a 2005 DHS study, images on X-ray machines do not provide enough information to allow the detection of explosives. Still, transportation officials press forward and insist on shoe removal, saying it allows screeners to see if footwear has been tampered with a la Richard Reid.
- Read more

QRSciences promotes MRI-like radio waves as answer to chemical detection problem
Sitting pretty after recent reports that X-rays are ineffective explosive detectors, the Australian company pushes forward with its patented Quadropole Resonance technology.
- Read more
New security measures to have chilling effect on international trade
Post-London plot air cargo security measures — among them BA’s decision not to allow cargo to be carried on passenger planes — are already disrupting international trade; for example, only 2 percent of the volume of Britain’s trade is carried by air, but this small fraction translates to an impressive 25 percent of the value of all goods imported into and exported out of the U.K.
- Read more

EST says it has ability to detect TATP components
As worry about liquid bombs grows following the arrest last week of 21 suspected British terrorists, a company claims to have a long-proven record of detecting tri-cycloacetone peroxide and its component chemicals.
- Read more
Airport security to broadened, deepen
The terrorists’ clever idea of bringing innocent liquids on board separately in order to mix them into a potent weapon has forced re-evaluation of security screening methods at airports; money will now be spent on solutions which combine several detection and snifffing technologies, and GE Homeland Security unit maker of the “puffer” machine, is working on such a combined solution
- Read more

SF airport first in the U.S. to have 100% screening of commercial cargo
In October San Francisco airport will become the first in the U.S. to
have 100% security screening of cargo carried on passenger planes
- Read more
Foiled London plot will affect air travel regulations, practices
The terrorist plot to smuggle liquid explosives on board will lead to dramatic changes in air travel regulations and practices, and the airline and tourism industry are worried that, at least in the short term, news will not be good for the hospitality industry
- Read more

Smart person-specific pistol
One way to improve airline safety is to put more armed air marshals on board; trouble is, this means that weapons are already inside the plane, and would-be hijackers may over-power them and grab their weapons; the solution: a smart gun which allows only its owner to use it
- Read more
U.K. terror plot exposes vulnerability of current detection systems
Governments have invested billions of dollars in explosive detection devices (EDs) and radiation detectors; the unfolding terrorist drama in London show that the current detection system has gaping holes which clever terrorists might exploit
- Read more

EDO eyeing UAV market
Large contractor has grown substantially through strategic acquisitions; its
latest target: A Tennessee company making composites used in UAV
construction
- Read more
Radiation therapy traces set off radiation monitors at airports
Hundreds of thousands of patients in the United States and Europe – and millions around the world – receive radiation therapy for various ailments, and nuclear material are also widely used for diagnostic purposes; trouble is, these procedure leave radiation traces in the body for weeks, and these traces set off sensitive nuclear detection systems at airports
- Read more
SFO testing video analytics
Speaking of rail security, Congress may want to consider the use of video analytics — now under testing at several of the nation’s airports — in mitigating suspicious activity at rail stations
- Read more

More headlines