Tech Bytes

April 15, 2009

Security
— Biocryptics: Braathens IT Solutions introduces a self-boarding solution based on biocryptics; next-generation biometrics. Fingerprints are translated into PKI-compatible crypto keys, and stored in a customer database. The crypto key is then printed as a barcode creating a biometric link between a passenger and the boarding pass, allowing offline verification without any use of central servers, databases, or networks.
www.braathensitsolutions.com
— Biometrics: Sagem Securite and Hitachi have partnered to develop a multimode biometric recognition module. The module recognizes the pattern of minute blood vessels while simultaneously processing fingerprint data. The module meets requirements for a wide range of applications including access control, identity checks, and secure payments, says the company.
www.sagem-securite.com
— Liquid Screening: TruScreen, a product by Ahura Scientific Inc., rapidly and accurately screens for potential liquid explosives and is designed to complement existing security measures, according to a company press release. TruScreen can analyze through the walls of translucent glass or plastic containers without direct contact with the substance in question.
www.ahurascientific.com
— Face Recognition: C-True Imaging Ltd. introduces the C-Gate system, a boarding pass authentication solution using face recognition technology. The system assures that ticketed passengers will be allowed to board only their proper flight, says the company.
www.ctrueimaging.com

Environment
— Emissions Tracking: Lochard has launched its AirTrak-Carbon Manager which enables airports to assess and track aircraft carbon emissions. The system uses actual flight track data to accurately assess aircraft emissions specific to each segment of flight. AirTrak provides detailed information for environmental reporting to airport stakeholders and input to planning decisions, says the company.
www.lochard.com
— Solar-Powered Hangar: A new 60,000-square foot solar-powered hangar at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA is considered to be an industry first. The hangar’s photovoltaic panels provide enough energy to operate the building’s lights and to recharge electric-powered ground equipment. The $17 million LEED Platinum certified hangar is the first to attain such a high level of USGBC certification.
— LED Lighting: Toronto Pearson Int’l Airport is testing Safegate’s new LED based airfield lighting fixture, the SafeLED IQ. The new SafeLED fixtures offer far more hours of operation compared to halogen, lower power consumption, and features low 6mm projection, according to the company. The all-in-one fixture is designed to minimize maintenance, as it contains a reduced number of components compared to traditional lighting and features a highly durable reinforced prism.
www.safegate.com

Airfield ops
— Portable Lighting: The Portable Airfield Lighting System from the Flight Light Inc. provides runway and approach guidance for a 1500- by 30-meter runway (4,921-feet by 98-feet). The system is designed for low energy consumption and is powered by a generator at each end of the runway. Included in the system are runway end identification lights, precision approach path indicators, threshold lights, and edge lights. According to the company, the system is easy to deploy and connect, and includes LED edge and threshold lighting for long life, low-maintenance, and increased durability.
www.flightlight.com
— Inspection Software: Dallas/ Fort Worth Int’l Airport has implemented Sybatech Inc.’s CodePal Inpection Software to aide in the inspection, testing, and maintenance of airport facilities.
www.sybatech.com

Safety
— Surface Surveillance: NAV CANADA and Aeroports de Montreal have jointly invested in a new multilateration surface surveillance system to improve aircraft and vehicle visability on the runways and airport apron at Montreal-Trudeau Airport. The Multistatic Dependent Surveillance (MDS) system is supplied by the Sensis Corporation, and uses multiple low-maintenance sensors to triangulate aircraft location based on transponder signals from the aircraft.
www.navcanada.ca

Information technology
— Airline Reservation System: Oracle and SITA have agreed to a 15-year partnership to develop the most open and agile airline reservation system ever designed using service-oriented architecture and advanced computing techniques. The Next Generation Airline Reservation System will cover reservations, inventory, ticketing, and departure control, and will be completed over the next five years, according to a press release.
www.sita.aero