Category: Aviation

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, and a business of Smiths Group plc, announced that it has supplied Kansai Airports which operates Kansai International airport in Japan with its industry-leading HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX carry-on baggage X-ray scanners and iLane A20 ATRS, the smart automatic tray return system.

The announcement extends Kansai Airports and Smiths Detection’s long-standing partnership following the deployment of Japan’s first ever Smart Security checkpoint in 2017. With its latest carry-on technology and smart tray return system, Smiths Detection technology will transform the passenger journey at Kansai international airport, making it a safer and more streamlined experience for both staff and travelers.

The 3D imaging capabilities of the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will allow passengers to keep large electronics, such as laptops, in their carry-on bags during security screening. Combined with an automated tray return system, these enhancements will improve the speed at which passengers can move through checkpoints and automate time-intensive tasks for staff.

Alongside optimizing security procedures, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX is the most energy-efficient scanner in its class, featuring low noise output, no vibration, and a 30% faster belt speed compared to other CT X-ray scanners—contributing to a calmer checkpoint experience. The iLane system, with Empty Tray Verification (ETV) system and 20 meter length, will ensure a consistent flow of trays, reducing queues. The ETV system automatically detects empty trays and, with the reclaim unit, recirculates from the end of the checkpoint back to the divest station at the start, allowing the operator to focus on customer support rather than manual tasks. This is the first ETV deployed in Japan.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Kansai Airports and provide them with our industry-leading technology that will transform the security experience,” said Matt Clark, VP commercial.

Smiths Detection has deployed 96 HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners and 181 iLanes in Japan.

Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division announced the award of two patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for technologies designed to improve incident management and emergency response. The newly patented solutions extend access to security video footage and enable secure data sharing across organizations, empowering public safety agencies, security personnel and other responders to better protect communities.

U.S. Patent No.12,010,389 covers Hexagon’s advanced web player technology, which is used within the Qognify VMS video management solution, enabling simultaneous streaming and playback of footage from multiple cameras via a standard web browser. Users can synchronize playback across multiple sources and ensure privacy masking. The player also allows for frame-by-frame analysis, enabling extremely accurate results during incident management, investigation and review processes.

U.S. Patent No.11,973,810 covers data-sharing capabilities within Hexagon’s cloud-based collaboration portal, HxGN Connect. Connect allows users from disparate organizations to rapidly and securely share a common operating picture and critical information while not compromising overall data security. Using configurable rules, users can share the data they want to share, with whom they want to share it and under the conditions they set.

“As greater demands are placed on public safety and security operations, new, groundbreaking technologies will be vital for protecting people, places and assets,” said Kalyn Sims, chief technology officer at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division. “Hexagon is committed to innovating solutions that make our world safer. These patents are evidence of our dedication.”

Hexagon is a world leader in safety and security, with over three decades of experience. Hexagon’s public safety solutions help to protect 1 billion people, and more than 4,000 organizations worldwide trust Hexagon’s physical security solutions.

Armed assailants launched a deadly attack on Turkey’s state-run aerospace company, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), near Ankara on Wednesday. The assault resulted in deaths of five people, including four TUSAS employees and a taxi driver, and injured 22 others. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that both attackers, members of PKK, were killed during the incident. The PKK, a Kurdish separatist group, has not claimed responsibility.

A social media video verified by CNN captured the explosion at the TUSAS headquarters, followed by a person with a firearm running through a parking lot. CCTV footage showed the attackers approaching the facility with backpacks and guns. Following the attack, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Turkey would continue to retaliate against PKK members. Later that day, Turkey conducted strikes on Kurdish areas in Syria and Iraq.

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, and a business of Smiths Group, is proud to announce that its iCMORE Automated Prohibited Items Detection Systems (APIDS) algorithm has received local approval from the Netherlands’ National Coordinator for Security and Counter-terrorism (NCTV).

Smiths Detection becomes the first and only supplier to receive this prestigious approval, setting an
industry benchmark and reinforcing its position as the most trusted, reliable and innovative partner for
innovative detection technology. The algorithm was rigorously tested, verified and validated by the
Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), a European Civil Aviation Conference
(ECAC) certified test center.

iCMORE APIDS uses AI to identify a wide range of prohibited objects at airport security checkpoints,
automating the detection of an extensive list of prohibited items while bags pass through CT security
screening machines. The algorithm provides invaluable support to security screeners, enhancing
security and creating a faster and more seamless experience for passengers.

This unique achievement empowers Dutch airports to deploy advanced detection capabilities with
complete confidence, knowing they are equipped with the most reliable tools to detect prohibited items
and fortify security at checkpoints. It also marks a major step in our journey towards full automation and
alarm-only viewing, reducing manual screening interventions, and enabling our customers to achieve
substantial operational savings.

Cymoril Metivier, global director digital at Smiths Detection, said: “This certification reaffirms our
commitment to being best in class, offering unmatched and proven capabilities that meet the highest
certification standards – setting a new industry benchmark as the trusted partner for cutting-edge
detection solutions. We remain committed to leading the way in delivering innovative and revolutionary
solutions that elevate passenger safety and experience, ensure compliance with the highest and
evolving security standards and safeguard critical operations across the aviation industry.”

A letter received from NCTV, states that the outcome of the national certification test shows the APIDS software met the strict criteria of APIDS standard 1 and the additional Dutch national detection requirements for APID software standard 1. The approval confirms that the Smiths Detection APIDS algorithm meets both the EU APIDS Standard 1 requirements, as outlined in Attachment 12-M of EU Decision C(2015) 8005 and the additional Dutch national detection standards specified in the “national additional detection requirements for security equipment.”

CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, is proud to announce a new partnership with Parata Air. Under this agreement, CPaT will provide tailored training solutions, including Aircraft Systems courses for Parata Air’s Airbus A320 Enhanced and Airbus A330 fleets. The contract also grants access to CPaT’s Aircraft Procedure Suite and General Subjects courses. In addition, Parata Air’s cabin crew will benefit from CPaT’s Cabin Crew Training Suite, which includes Aircraft Systems for Cabin Crew (covering both the Airbus A320 and A330), Cabin Crew Safety courses, General Subject Courses, and 3D Cabin Trainers, and CPaT Invent to customize and update training content.

Sangwon Seo, top senior captain and head of Parata Air’s flight operation division, stated, “The partnership with CPaT, a leader in the global market, will serve as a valuable foundation for realizing Parata Air’s top priority: customer safety and differentiated customer service. We will showcase Parata Air’s unique customer-centric philosophy by enhancing the capabilities of our pilots and cabin crew.”

“As a leader in Airbus distance learning solutions, CPaT is uniquely positioned to support Parata Air as they prepare to relaunch their services,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, vice president of sales. “We’re excited to partner with them by delivering comprehensive pilot and cabin crew training programs for their Airbus A320 and A330 fleets. This collaboration will enhance their overall training effectiveness and capabilities.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) demonstrated SeeTrue’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Innovation Task Force (ITF) at the Innovation Checkpoint in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. SeeTrue’s innovative AI-based solution was used as part of the passenger-accessible property screening process in a field operational assessment.

In May 2023, SeeTrue’s solution was selected for a comprehensive evaluation under a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with DHS S&T’s TSL. Following successful laboratory evaluations and testing, SeeTrue’s automated, AI-based screening solution was selected for demonstration at an airport checkpoint for further evaluation in an operational setting.

The solution integrates with a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner to automatically detect prohibited items. The aim is to improve operational efficiency and security effectiveness for TSA passenger-accessible property screening operations while improving the passenger experience.

“We are excited to work with DHS S&T and TSA to bring open architecture and artificial intelligence into a live demonstration on our journey to make screening fast and secure,” said Assaf Frenkel, SeeTrue’s co-founder and CEO. “We are grateful to DHS S&T’s TSL and TSA ITF for making this a reality.”

Leidos announced AirShield, the new name for its latest solution for counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missions. The next step in the evolution of the system’s architecture will include expanded capabilities featuring both kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. The reintroduction comes amid the company’s desire to highlight how its successfully tested technology stands out from other options already on the market.

AirShield is engineered to deliver robust air defense while on the move, providing capabilities among the most advanced in the industry. The system employs advanced threat assessment along with multiple mechanisms to provide a comprehensive air defense solution against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly in dynamic and fluid operational environments. 

“The threat from unmanned systems is constantly growing and evolving. AirShield is poised to integrate into existing systems and adapt as technology advances,” said Derrick Birdsell, AirShield program manager for Leidos. “We’re excited to be able to offer our AirShield architecture’s ability to integrate additional effectors for a variety of customers. It really highlights the versatility our team can bring to advance this technology into an adaptable system as the threat changes.”

AirShield is a multi-layered system that can operate autonomously in a single location or on the move to provide protection from UAS threats. It’s designed to excel in detection, tracking, classification, identification, prioritization, assessment, and neutralization of threats, providing a kill-chain solution that can seamlessly integrate into existing air defenses.

“Our Co-axial Unmanned Guided Autonomous Rotorcraft (CUGAR) effector, showcased last year at the MFIX demo, is our current effector. We plan to augment it with the APKWS [Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System] missile system to boost its effectiveness. Additionally, we have the ability to easily integrate with other effectors including high-energy lasers, turret-mounted guns, and even high-powered microwave systems,” added Birdsell.

Leidos is also integrating its software innovations into the hardware development of AirShield. The system employs AI for weapon-to-threat pairing, previously managed by a rule-based algorithm. Ongoing research explores how further AI and Machine Learning enhancements can be integrated into the system. 

The company has also placed a high emphasis on cyber resiliency while developing the AirShield system. Future evolutions will integrate both offensive and defensive cyber strategies, offensively targeting and neutralizing threats while defensively combating any cyber intrusions and attacks.

The original C-UAS work for Leidos began under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Mobile Force Protection (MFP) program. Following last year’s successful demonstration, the program transitioned to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center.

Multiple prototypes of AirShield have been built and demonstrated in live fire exercises, with plans for fielding by U.S. Southern Command in 2025. Additionally, Leidos is building a production line that will begin delivering systems to future customers as early as 2025.
 

In response to a staggering 500% increase in GPS spoofing incidents, Aircraft Performance Group (APG), a leading provider of performance and flight planning solutions for the aviation industry, has launched the latest NaviGuard release, a free GPS anomaly detection App, that empowers pilots to safeguard vital aviation information.

GPS spoofing poses a serious threat by providing false location data, which jeopardizes flight navigation and safety. This tactic has increased dramatically, with OpsGroup, an organization focused on international flight operations, citing a 500% rise in incidents year over year in their latest report. They found that roughly 1500 flights per day are experiencing some form of GPS spoofing, causing grave concerns as winter approaches and operating environments change from predominantly good weather to snow, icing, and deteriorating conditions.

“With the volume of GPS spoofing incidences increasing dramatically, heightened vigilance among pilots is vital,” states Andy Spencer, Training Manager and Lead Captain at Asia Corporate Jet. “While combating this threat takes a multifaceted approach, alert tools like NaviGuard can assist impacted pilots.”

APG’s response to the growing safety concern, NaviGuard, has seen significant adoption, eclipsing three thousand downloads within the last three months. The App is built to detect abnormal GPS readings on iPads and verifies GPS data using radio navigation. The latest release, which focuses on editing navigational aid points (NAVAID) and sharing GPS logs with flight operation safety departments, offers a crucial solution to safeguard commercial and business flight operators from this growing threat.

“I believe you are at the start of a profoundly meaningful safety tool to address GPS spoofing,” said Don Cummins, a 30-year business aviation pilot. “The foundational correctness of your product is really impressive, and I’m grateful you are contributing to my safety.”

“The risk factors associated with GPS spoofing and flight safety continue to increase dramatically,” said Shawn Mechelke, president of APG. “With the latest release of NaviGuard, we offer some peace of mind to pilots and flight operators, assuring their navigation remains secure and accurate at all times.”

Smiths Detection, threat detection and security screening technologies specialist, announced it has been awarded a seven year contract to support TechFlow’s Integrated Logistics Support Contract with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to service hold baggage X-ray inspection systems at airports across the United States. This contract is the largest service agreement in Smiths Detection’s history.

Smiths Detection will provide preventative and corrective maintenance for Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), which includes their CTX 5800, CTX 9000, CTX 9400 and CTX 9800 SEIO scanners, as well as associated networking equipment. To date, Smiths Detection has 486 EDS systems operating in 41 airports across the United States. 

The TSA has been setting records in the number of passengers they are screening, most recently on July 7, 2024 when 3 million passengers were screened in a single day.  In 2023, the TSA screened over 858 million passengers, with the daily average being 2.4 million people.  Air travel demand is projected to double by 2040 according to the International Air Transport Association and the service and maintenance of security screening systems will be critical to meeting this demand.

“Smiths Detection is proud to announce our continued commitment to servicing our fleet of EDS machines in airports across the United States,” said Ray Roberge, VP of service at Smiths Detection Inc. “We have built a highly skilled service organization that positions technicians and parts fulfilment centers in key locations across the country to meet our customers’ needs quickly and efficiently, while delivering world-class service. Our innovative technology and world-class customer service has positioned us as a trusted partner within the aviation security industry. Each day we remain focused on making the world a safer place.”