HOMELAND SECURITY REPORT: Surveillance Systems Help FAA Prepare Airline Workers for Terrorists

BRICK, N.J.—North American Video (NAV) has recently completed an advanced CCTV and audio monitoring system installation in a Boeing 727 for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The modified jetliner is being used by the FAA to train personnel in anti-terrorist tactics on passenger airlines. The systems help FAA instructors analyze and evaluate the trainees.

“This installation was a bit different than most surveillance system applications because of the venue and training methodology,” says Ron Freschi, NAV director of Large System Sales. “The cameras needed to be bulletproof to withstand live rounds during training with an audio system capable of detecting the slightest sounds.”

When FAA trainees enter the craft, every move and sound they make is recorded on DVRs. The systems provide live feeds to a training center where instructors monitor responses to difference situations. To aid in the simulations, a series of dummies are scattered throughout the aircraft cabin seating to represent passengers and possible terrorists.

GE Interlogix Adds Trace Substance Detection to Its Security Mix

PLAINVILLE, Conn.—GE Industrial Systems has agreed to acquire Ion Track Inc., a provider of advanced trace detection systems for use in aviation security, embassy and high-threat facility security, military force protection, and interdiction of illicit drugs at borders, prisons, and within the community.

Ion Track has pioneered the development of advanced detection technologies, from the first handheld explosive detector using gas chromatography (GC) technology to its latest patented innovation, the Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer® detector.

“Electronic security is a $20 billion industry with strong growth ahead of it for the future,” says Lloyd Trotter, president and CEO of GE Industrial Systems. “Ion Track’s leading-edge technology brings GE into a new area of security and is a great complement to our GE Interlogix business.”

Ken Boyda, president and CEO of GE Interlogix Inc., adds, “With Ion Track’s technology leadership, we can now offer our customers a much broader portfolio of GE security solutions to challenges created by events in a changing world.”

The transaction, which is subject to government approval and other customary conditions, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2002. Ion Track, based in Wilmington, Mass., will become a subsidiary of GE Interlogix, which is a part of GE Industrial Systems based in Plainville, Conn. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters