The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected Mineta San Jose International Airport, California, and Miami International Airport, Florida, as testing grounds for the latest airport perimeter intrusion detection and deterrence technologies.
A total of US$10m has been allocated for the test equipment in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018.
“I’m excited to see another robust federal investment into improving security at Mineta Airport,” said Zoe Lofgren, the US representative for California’s 19th congressional district.
“By bolstering the technology deployed to keep our airport perimeter secure, we are taking steps to ensure the safety of businesses, travelers, and employees.”
Eric Swalwell, the US representative from California’s 15th congressional district, added “We absolutely must update our thinking about how we protect our airports to keep America safer. Many airports are far too vast to have personnel watching every inch of perimeter, but new technology can serve as a force multiplier, letting us know when a breach happens anywhere, at any time, and help us catch intruders before they can do harm.”
John Aitken, director of aviation, Mineta San Jose, said, “This is a welcome investment in further analysis, software and hardware to complement SJC’s recent security enhancements, which included raising the perimeter fenceline height and implementing the associated technology, also made possible through support from our federal leadership.”
In line with the project, the TSA will install, test and analyze a wide range of technologies, including:
– Video cameras to enable operators to assess a situation remotely;
– Analytics software to automate the detection of unauthorized personnel and other potential threats within restricted areas;
– Radar, microwave and passive infrared sensors;
– Laser sensors useful for securing large, straight sections of a perimeter;
– Fence sensors useful for detecting intruders climbing or cutting the fence;
– Unattended ground sensors to detect walking, digging and vehicle traffic;
– Other technologies including gunshot detectors, under vehicle screening at speed and hailers.
