Rockwell Collins Introduces Biometric-Enabled Passenger Processing Solution
Rockwell Collins [COL] is integrating its ARINC vMuse and ARINC Veripax passenger processing systems with Atkins’ identity management toolkit to capture a traveler’s identity using biometrics and match it wit the passenger’s passport and boarding pass information. The ARINC vMUSE system can capture a wide range of biometrics and the new solution enables a phase rollout of biometric processing, with airline or gate-specific rules permitting biometrics to be used only when needed. “Airports are seeking ways to improve operations and passenger flow while maintaining the rigorous security levels required today,” says Christopher Forrest, vice president, Global Airports for Rockwell Collins. “We’re creating a suite of self service solutions that integrate biometric authentication into each phase of passenger processing, enabling airports to securely automate everything from check-in through boarding the airplane.”
ScanEagle UAS Conducts Fire Monitoring Operations in Washington
Boeing’s [BA] Insitu subsidiary says its ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flew six operations totaling 37 hours monitoring wildfires in Olympic National Park in Washington. During the missions the ScanEagle provided infrared video in real-time to incident command personnel, allowing fire officials to pinpoint the fire’s perimeter and identify areas of intense heat. The UAS also assisted helicopter assets with evaluating water drop locations. “This and other planned unmanned aircraft systems demonstrations will serve to guide our policies, procedures and requirements for the safe, phased integration of UAS in support of wildfire management,” says Mark Bathrick, director, Department of the Interior, Office of Aviation Services. “These demonstrations are part of a larger interagency strategy aimed at employing UAS to provide firefighters on the ground with time-sensitive information that will give them the highest level of situational awareness and support possible.” ScanEagle flew within an emergency certificate of authorization issued to the Department of Interior by the Federal Aviation Administration that permitted its operation within the confines of the temporary flight restriction.