Security Shortlines

Expanded CAP Role for Homeland Security?

A bill by U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) seeking recommendations on how the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) can support homeland security missions was recently approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill, H.R. 1178, directs the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the ways in which the CAP may assist state, local, and tribal governments and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by: providing aerial reconnaissance or communications assistance for border security; augmenting the Department's situational awareness and search-and-rescue capabilities in the aftermath of an act of terrorism, natural disaster, or other catastrophic event; and providing other assistance deemed appropriate by the Comptroller General. After completion of the report, DHS must review and analyze the report and, within 90 days, submit recommendations to the Congress for further action.

Chase of Stolen Plane from Canada

A man suspected of stealing a Cessna 172 in Canada and flying erratically across three states was trying to commit suicide, hoping he would be shot down by USAF fighters, according to law enforcement officials. But Adam Dylan Leon, 31, was arrested at a convenience store in Missouri after landing on a rural road on April 6, ending a six-hour flight. The plane was reported stolen from Confederation College Flight School at Thunder Bay International Airport in Ontario. It was intercepted by General Dynamics F-16 fighters from the Wisconsin Air National Guard after crossing into the state near the Michigan state line. The pilot was flying erratically and didn't communicate with the fighter pilots. The Cessna 172 continued south over Illinois and eastern Missouri before landing near Ellsinore, MO, about 120 miles south-southwest of St. Louis. The stolen aircraft had enough fuel for about eight hours of flight.

AS&E Receives $6.3M Order for Multiple Z Portal Systems

American Science and Engineering received a $6.3 million follow-on order from a Middle East client for multiple Z Portal cargo and vehicle screening systems to protect critical infrastructure in the region. AS&E's Z Portal systems will be used to scan vehicles and trucks entering the client's high-risk facilities to detect explosive threats and contraband. The Z Portal's three-sided inspection provides maximum inspection capability to decrease their facilities' levels of vulnerability. With AS&E's proprietary Z Backscatter technology, the Z Portal has proven technology to find hidden threats and contraband at high-risk facilities and other checkpoints. This follow-on order attests to their satisfaction with AS&E's comprehensive security solutions. AS&E systems for cargo, parcel, and personnel screening are deployed worldwide, helping large governments and corporations protect their vital assets.

Rapiscan Provides Advanced Cargo Screening Gear to UK Customs

Rapiscan Systems has been awarded a contract to provide Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) with multiple Rapiscan Eagle Mobile high energy X-ray cargo screening systems. The new Rapiscan Eagle Mobile 4500 series units will be deployed to strategic entry ports in the United Kingdom as part of a process of technology modernization and upgrade of HMRC's older screening systems. The contract also provides for operator training, technical support and maintenance of the systems. The Rapiscan Eagle M4500 mobile cargo and vehicle inspection system is mounted on a road-worthy commercial truck platform. The system can be deployed to scan shipping containers and trucks in less than 20 minutes while also being capable of penetrating dense cargo at increased inspection rates without impeding the flow of commerce. The system is part of Rapiscan's Eagle product line of High Energy X-ray Cargo inspection systems that features mobile, gantry, portal and fixed deployment configurations. The products have been installed internationally for use by military, customs and border protection agencies.

Comair In Flight Security

Comair Limited, British Airways' franchise partner in South Africa, has purchased an AD Aerospace CabinVu-123 Cockpit Door Monitoring System to enhance in-flight security on its new Boeing 737 aircraft. The system improves security by increasing the situational awareness of the pilots by providing them with a clear and unrestricted view of any activity in the area outside the cockpit door and in the adjacent galleys. CabinVu-123, which has less LRUs, lower weight and simplified installation than earlier systems, provides pilots with a forward looking, clear and unobstructed view of the area outside the cockpit door and in the adjacent galleys from their usual seated positions. A series of cameras are linked to either one or two monitors and associated controllers within easy reach of the pilots for ease and comfort of use. "It's always pleasing when an existing customer returns to us," said Mike Horne, managing director of AD Aerospace. "And with Comair who was our first customer in Africa its great to see its fleet renewal program progressing so well."