Smart (SAFEE) plane /Fox News 08/14/06
08-18-2006, 11:19 AM
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Smart (SAFEE) plane /Fox News 08/14/06
This was found in an article on www.foxnews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207978,00.html
"Is this another step towards a pilotless airplane?" Jesse
{
European Researchers Work to Develop Hijack-Proof Plane
By 2008, European researchers aim to bring that vision closer to reality through an ambitious security program to combat on-board threats in an industry left reeling this week by a security scare that raised the specter of September 11.
On Thursday, British police said they had foiled a plot to blow up aircraft mid-flight between Britain and the United States in what Washington said might have been an attempted Al Qaeda operation.
Since September 11, the idea that civilian planes can be used as weapons has taken hold globally, spawning increased security measures in airports around the world.
The researchers aim to create a "last barrier to attacks" on planes in flight.
Among the non-hijackable plane's features are computer systems designed to spot suspicious passenger behavior, and a collision avoidance system that will correct the plane's trajectory to prevent it from being steered into a building or mountain.
The researchers are also investigating the possibility — although they say it is probably some 15 years away — of developing an on-board computer that could guide the plane automatically to the nearest airport, in the event of a hijack.
"You never reach zero level of threat, no risk," said program coordinator Daniel Gaultier of French technology group SAGEM Defense Securite, a unit of Safran. "But if you equip planes with on-board electronics, it will make them very, very difficult to hijack."
SMART PLANE
The 4-year, 35.8 million euro ($45.7 million) project, called SAFEE or Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment, was launched in February 2004.
Among those taking part are aircraft maker Airbus, its parents EADS and BAE Systems, as well as Thales and Siemens AG (S). The European Commission is contributing 19.5 million euros ($25 million).
Omer Laviv of Athena GS3, an Israeli company taking part in the project, said the system might be commercially available around 2010 to 2012.
SAFEE goes beyond the limited on-board improvements made since September 11 — like reinforced cockpit doors and the deployment of sky marshals.
Proposed enhancements include:
— A chip-based system to allocate matching tags to passengers and their luggage, ensuring both are on board and removing the need for stewards to count passengers manually.
— Cameras at check-in desks and at the entrance to the plane, in order to verify with biometric imaging that the person getting on board is the same as the one who checked in.
— An "electronic nose" to check passengers for traces of explosives at the final ground check before boarding.
— An Onboard Threat Detection System (OTDS) to process information from video and audio sensors throughout the cabin and detect any erratic passenger behavior.
— A Threat Assessment and Response Management System (TARMS) to assemble all information and propose an appropriate response to the pilot via a computer screen located at his side.
— A Data Protection System to secure all communications, including conversations between the cockpit and ground control.
— A secure cockpit door with a biometric system that recognizes authorized crew by their fingerprints, together with a camera to check they are not opening it under duress.
— An automatic collision avoidance system to correct the plane's course if it strays from a permitted trajectory.
TERRORIST IN CONTROL
In a September 11-style hijack scenario, for example, the TARMS system would detect that the plane was on course to plow into buildings and use biometric fingerprint sensors to check whether the pilot or an intruder was at the controls.
"If there is a terrorist in control or the pilot is not aware of this [false] trajectory, the TARMS decides to avoid the obstacle so there is an automatic control of the plane," Gaultier said.
The avoidance system would also kick in if the pilot, despite verifying his identity, persisted in the false course.
Given its complexity, the SAFEE project raises legal and ethical issues which are themselves a key part of the research.
They include whether people will find it acceptable to be minutely observed by sensors throughout their flight, recording everything from their conversations to their toilet visits.
With help from sources including security agencies and behavioral psychologists, researchers are building a database of potentially suspicious traits for computers to detect.
"It could be someone who's using their mobile phone when they shouldn't be, or trying to light up a cigarette. But it could also be something much more extreme, it could be a potential terrorist," said James Ferryman, a scientist at Britain's Reading University who is working on SAFEE.
The sensitivity of the system could be adjusted depending on factors like the general threat level, he said.
Program coordinator Gaultier conceded the system could generate false alarms, but said the crew and pilot would remain in ultimate control, deciding if the threat was real.
WHO PAYS?
The improved passenger surveillance, researchers say, will be an important advantage on larger planes such as the Airbus A380, capable of carrying 550 people.
They believe passengers will be ready to accept the trade-off of less privacy for the sake of greater safety.
"We have to show it's not Big Brother watching you, it's Big Brother looking after you," Ferryman said.
Researchers say it is too early to judge the price of kitting out a plane with SAFEE, but they are working closely with a user group including airlines like Air France-KLM (AKH).
The issue is part of a wider debate within the industry, with airlines calling on governments to underwrite security costs.
"Suicide terrorism is not an issue for the airlines, it shouldn't be their responsibility," said Philip Baum, editor of Aviation Security International magazine. "It is an attack, actually, against the state and it's part of a national defense, and therefore we need to fund this accordingly."
}
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207978,00.html
"Is this another step towards a pilotless airplane?" Jesse
{
European Researchers Work to Develop Hijack-Proof Plane
By 2008, European researchers aim to bring that vision closer to reality through an ambitious security program to combat on-board threats in an industry left reeling this week by a security scare that raised the specter of September 11.
On Thursday, British police said they had foiled a plot to blow up aircraft mid-flight between Britain and the United States in what Washington said might have been an attempted Al Qaeda operation.
Since September 11, the idea that civilian planes can be used as weapons has taken hold globally, spawning increased security measures in airports around the world.
The researchers aim to create a "last barrier to attacks" on planes in flight.
Among the non-hijackable plane's features are computer systems designed to spot suspicious passenger behavior, and a collision avoidance system that will correct the plane's trajectory to prevent it from being steered into a building or mountain.
The researchers are also investigating the possibility — although they say it is probably some 15 years away — of developing an on-board computer that could guide the plane automatically to the nearest airport, in the event of a hijack.
"You never reach zero level of threat, no risk," said program coordinator Daniel Gaultier of French technology group SAGEM Defense Securite, a unit of Safran. "But if you equip planes with on-board electronics, it will make them very, very difficult to hijack."
SMART PLANE
The 4-year, 35.8 million euro ($45.7 million) project, called SAFEE or Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment, was launched in February 2004.
Among those taking part are aircraft maker Airbus, its parents EADS and BAE Systems, as well as Thales and Siemens AG (S). The European Commission is contributing 19.5 million euros ($25 million).
Omer Laviv of Athena GS3, an Israeli company taking part in the project, said the system might be commercially available around 2010 to 2012.
SAFEE goes beyond the limited on-board improvements made since September 11 — like reinforced cockpit doors and the deployment of sky marshals.
Proposed enhancements include:
— A chip-based system to allocate matching tags to passengers and their luggage, ensuring both are on board and removing the need for stewards to count passengers manually.
— Cameras at check-in desks and at the entrance to the plane, in order to verify with biometric imaging that the person getting on board is the same as the one who checked in.
— An "electronic nose" to check passengers for traces of explosives at the final ground check before boarding.
— An Onboard Threat Detection System (OTDS) to process information from video and audio sensors throughout the cabin and detect any erratic passenger behavior.
— A Threat Assessment and Response Management System (TARMS) to assemble all information and propose an appropriate response to the pilot via a computer screen located at his side.
— A Data Protection System to secure all communications, including conversations between the cockpit and ground control.
— A secure cockpit door with a biometric system that recognizes authorized crew by their fingerprints, together with a camera to check they are not opening it under duress.
— An automatic collision avoidance system to correct the plane's course if it strays from a permitted trajectory.
TERRORIST IN CONTROL
In a September 11-style hijack scenario, for example, the TARMS system would detect that the plane was on course to plow into buildings and use biometric fingerprint sensors to check whether the pilot or an intruder was at the controls.
"If there is a terrorist in control or the pilot is not aware of this [false] trajectory, the TARMS decides to avoid the obstacle so there is an automatic control of the plane," Gaultier said.
The avoidance system would also kick in if the pilot, despite verifying his identity, persisted in the false course.
Given its complexity, the SAFEE project raises legal and ethical issues which are themselves a key part of the research.
They include whether people will find it acceptable to be minutely observed by sensors throughout their flight, recording everything from their conversations to their toilet visits.
With help from sources including security agencies and behavioral psychologists, researchers are building a database of potentially suspicious traits for computers to detect.
"It could be someone who's using their mobile phone when they shouldn't be, or trying to light up a cigarette. But it could also be something much more extreme, it could be a potential terrorist," said James Ferryman, a scientist at Britain's Reading University who is working on SAFEE.
The sensitivity of the system could be adjusted depending on factors like the general threat level, he said.
Program coordinator Gaultier conceded the system could generate false alarms, but said the crew and pilot would remain in ultimate control, deciding if the threat was real.
WHO PAYS?
The improved passenger surveillance, researchers say, will be an important advantage on larger planes such as the Airbus A380, capable of carrying 550 people.
They believe passengers will be ready to accept the trade-off of less privacy for the sake of greater safety.
"We have to show it's not Big Brother watching you, it's Big Brother looking after you," Ferryman said.
Researchers say it is too early to judge the price of kitting out a plane with SAFEE, but they are working closely with a user group including airlines like Air France-KLM (AKH).
The issue is part of a wider debate within the industry, with airlines calling on governments to underwrite security costs.
"Suicide terrorism is not an issue for the airlines, it shouldn't be their responsibility," said Philip Baum, editor of Aviation Security International magazine. "It is an attack, actually, against the state and it's part of a national defense, and therefore we need to fund this accordingly."
}
08-18-2006, 02:17 PM
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Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: CR7 Capt
Posts: 1,621
[QUOTE=JesseSW;54057]This was found in an article on www.foxnews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207978,00.html
"Is this another step towards a pilotless airplane?" Jesse
I would have to say no. It seems there will always be a need for somebody to be at the controls monitoring the systems. There was no mention of pilotless aircraft. This may make it safer for crews and PAX. IMO
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207978,00.html
"Is this another step towards a pilotless airplane?" Jesse
I would have to say no. It seems there will always be a need for somebody to be at the controls monitoring the systems. There was no mention of pilotless aircraft. This may make it safer for crews and PAX. IMO
08-18-2006, 06:57 PM
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Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: B767A[ret.]
Posts: 593
Quit whining all the time passengers
As a 20 year veteran airport customer service agent I am so tired of hearing whining and complaining passengers all day long. If I went on your
jobs and acted like many of you do at the ticket counters, in the gate areas and on the planes I would probably be arrested.
First of all, read signs and quit expecting us to treat you like little kids. You can't find your way to a bathroom? Can't read a boarding pass?
Act like you are "entitled" to a certain seat on the plane. You don't own the plane you just rent the seat for the duration of the flight, remember
that. You wanted cheaper fares? Well join the other former Greyhound patrons who are now flying. You wonder why that 300lb woman with a handful of teeth and body oder using multiple seatbelt extensions is sitting next to you? She can now afford it, thanks to you.
You complained when food was served and now you complain that it is not served. Can't figure out how to go through security checkpoints? Do you want me to Mapquest it for you? Never read any sign anywhere in the airport and then say " nobody told you where to go?" I'll tell you where to go. You come with a bad attitude when everything is on time and you're late. What did you want , us to hold the plane for you? You'd be the first one to complain if the flight was held for someone else and is late. You get mad when the flights are full and then when the flights are half full, you want us to complimentary place you in first class out of the kindness of our hearts. This is a BUSINESS. The object is to make MONEY! Last time I checked this is an airline if you want to move call Van Lines. They are the ones with the trailers. Besides you don't need to bring everything you own for the weekend.
Yes sometimes we do have some attitude. It's probably due to dealing with some of you idiots who fly today. We are NOT babysitters or Pyschiatrists. We did not have an "attitude" when we started in this business so I wonder where it came from? Use some common sense and quit acting stupid. Bring your BRAIN to the airport. You seem to want to bring everything else. Our pay is downsized and our staff is downsized so quess what, we are not happy campers on the other side of that counter. Remember that when you ask for the 5th time in 5 minutes when are you going to board the flight . . . it's still half an hour before departure, for your domestic flight, 45 minutes for your international flight . . . as it's ALWAYS been. Oh yeah, contrary to what you might think . . . WE DO NOT CONTROL THE WEATHER!
As a 20 year veteran airport customer service agent I am so tired of hearing whining and complaining passengers all day long. If I went on your
jobs and acted like many of you do at the ticket counters, in the gate areas and on the planes I would probably be arrested.
First of all, read signs and quit expecting us to treat you like little kids. You can't find your way to a bathroom? Can't read a boarding pass?
Act like you are "entitled" to a certain seat on the plane. You don't own the plane you just rent the seat for the duration of the flight, remember
that. You wanted cheaper fares? Well join the other former Greyhound patrons who are now flying. You wonder why that 300lb woman with a handful of teeth and body oder using multiple seatbelt extensions is sitting next to you? She can now afford it, thanks to you.
You complained when food was served and now you complain that it is not served. Can't figure out how to go through security checkpoints? Do you want me to Mapquest it for you? Never read any sign anywhere in the airport and then say " nobody told you where to go?" I'll tell you where to go. You come with a bad attitude when everything is on time and you're late. What did you want , us to hold the plane for you? You'd be the first one to complain if the flight was held for someone else and is late. You get mad when the flights are full and then when the flights are half full, you want us to complimentary place you in first class out of the kindness of our hearts. This is a BUSINESS. The object is to make MONEY! Last time I checked this is an airline if you want to move call Van Lines. They are the ones with the trailers. Besides you don't need to bring everything you own for the weekend.
Yes sometimes we do have some attitude. It's probably due to dealing with some of you idiots who fly today. We are NOT babysitters or Pyschiatrists. We did not have an "attitude" when we started in this business so I wonder where it came from? Use some common sense and quit acting stupid. Bring your BRAIN to the airport. You seem to want to bring everything else. Our pay is downsized and our staff is downsized so quess what, we are not happy campers on the other side of that counter. Remember that when you ask for the 5th time in 5 minutes when are you going to board the flight . . . it's still half an hour before departure, for your domestic flight, 45 minutes for your international flight . . . as it's ALWAYS been. Oh yeah, contrary to what you might think . . . WE DO NOT CONTROL THE WEATHER!
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