Eid Passport’s RAPID-RCx Reader on TWIC Qualified Technology List
Eid Passport, Inc. says its RAPID-RCx program, which electronically validates smart credentials, has been put on the Transportation Security Administration’s Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Qualified Technology List. The RAPID-RCx program adds multi-credential scan, read, and verify to the company’s RAPIDGate system and helps users quickly and security authenticate TWIC and other government-issued credentials for streamlined facility or vessel access. The program also provides multi-factor authentication by using the digital ID image and fingerprints stored on the card’s ship so additional authentication can be conducted on the person requesting access. “It is a significant achievement to be recognized as a compliant technology provider based on TSA QTL specifications,” says Steve Larson, Eid’s chairman and CEO.
Eid Passport, HID Global Partner on ID Management
Eid Passport Inc. and HID Global have partnered to provide potential customers with enhanced identity management solutions, the companies say. The partnership will combine HID’s pivCLASS software for personal identity verification and its ActivID credential management software solution to enhance Eid’s RAPIDGate Premier solution to secure physical and digital assets for commercial, government and military organizations. The companies say that Personal Identity Verification-Interoperable credentials will be security provisioned using HID’s ActivID system. “Partnering with HID Global is another opportunity to enhance our best-in-class identity management solutions for commercial, government and military customers,” says Steve Larson, Eid’s chairman and CEO. “Integrating their credentialing technology into what we have already provided our customers from an identity management perspective provides additional efficiencies and innovation that will benefit end users.”
Airbus Demonstrates Portable Explosives Detection System
Airbus Group’s Defense and Space segment recently demonstrated its SONEX-P automatic explosive threat detection system to representatives of major international airports, homeland security agencies, and federal, state and local law enforcement organizations. Airbus says that SONEX-P combines neutron technology with 3-D imaging for faster threat detection and more accurate views versus X-Ray-based devices. Images can be viewed remotely to allow first responders to interrogate suspicious packages from a distance. The company says the system’s software can be optimized to detect emerging chemical, nuclear and radiological threats. The system provides a red alert for live threats and a green light for non-threatening conditions. The system weighs about 50-pounds and consists of a man-portable detection head and a companion laptop computer. The demonstration was held at an Airbus Group storage facility in Northern Virginia. The system accurately detected and identified a range of hidden explosive threats, each in a single can.
Smiths Detection EDS System Approved for Use with Five Different Trays
Smiths Detection says its HI-SCAN 10080 XCT explosives detection system (EDS) has become the first hold baggage screening system to receive European Civil Aviation Conference Standard 3 approval for use with five different types of trays, which are also called totes. The company says that trays are used in most modern baggage handling systems to allow a smoother process, reducing bag jams and avoiding tracking losses. “Due to the significant operational advantages, more and more airports are expected to move to tote-based baggage handling systems in the future,” says Barrie Foley, vice president EMEA Region of Smiths Detection. “Achieving ECAC Standard 3 approval for XCT with the five most common trays is a key milestone in helping our customers optimize operational performance and deliver a baggage handling system with a lower total cost of ownership.”
UAS Airspace Integration Test Conducted at Grand Forks AFB
A multi-agency test to examine the feasibility of operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace was successfully conducted this month at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. The test, conducted by the UAS Airspace Integration Joint Test teams, included two MQ-9 Predator B UAS that belong to Customs and Border Protection, an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 UAS, a King Air 200 turboprop and a Navy UC-35 Citation jet. The test included 100 uniformed and civilian team members from the Federal Aviation Administration, the North Dakota Civil Air Patrol, CBP, the Marine Corps, Army, active duty Airmen at the base and Airmen from the North Dakota Air National Guard. The test followed the FAA’s authorization to allow two UAS to operate simultaneously in a traffic pattern of unrestricted airspace. “To be the first to have two unmanned aircraft in the same airspace is something we wanted to do for a while,” says Jeffrey Deem, CBP lead flight operations specialist.