With a focus on technology comes advances designed to make the business of aviation safer and more secure.
The FAA has authorized the Target Data Extractor (TDX) 2000 from Sensis Corporation to establish product configuration control within the National Airspace System. This radar processor is designed to transform primary and secondary analog radar data into digital target reports or track messages suitable for integration into modern control centers.
The system includes an embedded sensor data processor to reduce false readings from obstructions such as weather, bird flocks, road traffic, and ground clutter for an improved surveillance picture.
Additionally, FAA awards the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) contract to Honeywell International, Inc. LAAS is the satellite landing system designed to improve aircraft safety during airport approaches and landings. The port first of three phases, valued at $16.7 million, provides for the software and hardware of what is termed the Category I LAAS. Phase II and III contract options, which total an additional $340 million, cover the development and production of the Category I system. Category I precision landing provides a level of service in poor weather conditions down to a ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of one-half mile.
CEM Systems, a business unit of Tyco Fire & Security, releases the S600e intelligent card reader. Designed for use with the CEM AC2000 Security Management System, the S600e has an on-board 10-100 Mbps Ethernet connection enabling the reader to communicate directly with the central server. The reader also contains an internal Web server, allowing remote viewing of reader status.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has installed four EyePass Model EP-4 stations for operation at the entrance to Concourses A, B, C, and D. The EyePass EP-4 stations will be located at the security checkpoints for use by airline and airport employees, TSA, law enforcement, and emergency personnel, as well as contractor, vendor, and retail workers to provide positive identification of personnel authorized for access using iris recognition.
