TechFiles

January 2002

The spirit of scientific exploration and discovery appears to be alive in UK-based QinetiQ. From beetles and balloons to X-rays and ultrasounds, QinetiQ’s existence is devoted to the creation and application of technology as part of the British government’s Defense Evaluation and Research Agency.
Researchers at QinetiQ have developed a high-resolution radar to detect runway debris and take the place of manual runway inspections. Currently, the radar is able to detect an object no larger than a Coke can up to 300 meters away. For more, check out www.qinetiq.com.

www.boeing.com
In a move of diminished faith and redirected finances, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have relinquished their initial support of Boeing’s Connexion system, intended to provide airline passengers with Internet connections. Boeing says that the project has not been scrapped, though details of how it will proceed are unknown.

www.arinc.com
www.airbus.com
www.astrium-space.com
www.tenzing.com
And in near-perfect timing, ARINC announces that it will partner with Astrium, Tenzing, and Airbus Industrie to bring satellite Internet connections and real-time television to passengers on commerical airlines within the next year.

www.iata.org/cs/dottravel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applied last year to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to establish a ".travel" Internet Top Level Domain (TLD). And at a November meeting, key players in travel business formed the Travel Partnership in support of the ".travel" initiative.

www.goeag.com
Essential Air Group releases an online tracking program for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. MxAlert allows MRO facilities and their customers to track the status of aircraft.

www.aopa.org
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) introduces TurboMedical, a web-based series of "intelligent" online forms intended to aid pilots in preparing to obtain medical certificates. According to AOPA, pilots who use TurboMedical will be less likely to have their medical certificates delayed or denied by FAA.

www.airportnet.org
In more association news, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) has installed its Interactive Employee Training (IET) system at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. The airport will use the IET for movement and non-movement area driver training. AAAE says the system can also be used for security, customer service, ARFF, FAR Part 139, and other training.

www.vianovus.com
The PARAGON Program Management System from ViaNovus is a web-based solution for construction project management. The system was recently used in projects at Richmond International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

www.visionics.com
Visionics Corporation has received orders for four FingerPrinter CMS and three TENPRINTER live scan systems from five U.S. airports — Amarillo, Indianapolis, Portland, Seattle, and Spokane. The systems will aid in the fingerprint background check process at the five airports.

www.inspectech.net
InspecTech Aero Service has installed "smart" windows in the cabin of a Learjet 25C and is accepting orders for other aircraft. The windows dim between light and dark, controlling cabin light, conserving energy, and reducing glare.

www.etcusa.com
Environmental Tectonics Corporation will provide a virtual reality-based Airport Driver Training Simulator System to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has awarded the contract for up to three years.

www.loronix.com
Loronix Information Systems will expand its security and surveillance installation at Calgary International Airport. The increased system will include 600 cameras, with increased focus on immigration checkpoints and baggage areas.