Qatar Border Security Solution Supplied by Airbus Group Fully Operational
Airbus Group says that a border and maritime security solution it provided for Qatar is now fully operational and is providing surveillance over 600 kilometers. The National Security Shield system is operated by the Qatar Border Guard and Coast Guard and includes surveillance towers and surveillance vehicles equipped with various sensors such as radars, cameras and direction finders, Europe-based Airbus Group said. The surveillance system is being used to combat illegal immigrant trafficking networks, terrorist groups, piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing, the company said. Airbus Group says that additional work on the system is planned in the next two years. The company will be installing offshore towers and platforms equipped with surveillance sensors to protect oil and gas production assets in Qatar’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Airbus Group will also be providing a training simulation system, a web portal for external agencies, enhanced user management functionalities, and an Alternative Joint Operational Centre to take over all operations at any time. Qatar’s air force, land force headquarters, and the National Crisis Centre will be connected to the system in the coming months.
EDGE Innovation Network Opens Online Portal to Solutions for DHS
General Dynamics [GD] says that the Department of Homeland Security’s [DHS] Science and Technology Directorate will be using the company-sponsored EDGE Innovation Network’s Knowledge Management System (KMS) to exchange information and discuss technical solutions to the department’s capability gaps. The KMS is a technology portal provided by GD C4 Systems. The GD-sponsored EDGE Innovation Network has more than 400 members nationwide, including 253 certified small businesses. The network maintains an open, collaborative environment where members and customers can characterize, nurture, develop and deliver current and emerging technologies and capabilities to equip a more mobile, better-connected end-user. The network had demonstrated 4F/LTE broadband networks for public safety organizations. “With the KMS portal, DHS will have quick access to vast stores of innovative technology and products that may fit their immediate needs,” says Chris Marzilli, president of GD C4 Systems.
First Responder Equipment Provider W.S. Darley in Distribution Agreement with iRobot
W.S. Darley & Co., which manufactures equipment for fire and emergency organizations worldwide, has signed a distribution agreement with iRobot [IRBT] to offer the company’s line of tactical mobile robots to the fire and emergency service markets. W.S. Darley says that the robots can use a variety of payloads to enable a wide range of operations, including HazMat, SWAT, reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and vehicle and building inspections, providing real-time video, audio and sensor data to allow operators to remotely investigate hazardous environments and objects. “Robots are ideal tools for those in the public safety, fire and emergency services sectors,” says Tom Phelps, director of Robotic Products—North America for iRobot’s Defense & Security business unit. “They can be used to address a wide range of challenges while increasing operational success and keeping people safe. We look forward to working with W.S. Darley & Co., expanding the presence of robots in these areas.”