This report assesses the operational performance of explosives-detection equipment and hardened unit-loading devices (HULDs) in airports and compares their operational performance to their laboratory performance, with a focus on improving aviation security.

This report assesses the operational performance of explosives-detection equipment and hardened unit-loading devices (HULDs) in airports and compares their operational performance to their laboratory performance, with a focus on improving aviation security.

This book focuses on ways to better manage and prevent aircraft-based homicide events while in flight using alternate technology to replace the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and/or Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) functions. While these events are infrequent, the implementation of real-time predictive maintenance allows aircraft operators to better manage both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events. Aviation Safety and Security: Utilizing Technology to Prevent Aircraft Fatality explores historical events of in-flight homicide and includes relevant accident case study excerpts from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). FEATURES Explores historical events of in-flight homicide and offers solutions for ways to mitigate risk Explains how alternate technologies can be implemented to address in-flight safety issues Demonstrates that metrics for change are not solely for safety but also for financial savings for aircraft operation Includes relevant accident case study excerpts from the NTSB and AAIB Expresses the need for real-time predictive maintenance Stephen J Wright is an academic Professor at the faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University, Finland, specializing in aviation, aeronautical engineering, and aircraft systems.

The security of the U.S. commercial aviation system has been a growing concern since the 1970's when the hijacking of aircraft became a serious problem. Over that period, federal aviation officials have been searching for more effective ways for non-invasive screening of passengers, luggage, and cargo to detect concealed explosives and weapons. To assist in this effort, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asked the NRC for a study of emerging screening technologies. This book - the fourth of four - focuses on data fusion as a means to significantly improve the ability of the existing suite of airport detection systems and access control systems to detect and prevent attacks. The book presents a discussion of the data fusion, an analysis of current data fusion efforts, and an assessment of data fusion opportunities for various airport security activities.