Holidaymakers could be spared the hassle of removing laptops and
tablets from hand-luggage when passing through airport security,
as government seeks to revolutionise aviation screening.
The government is today announcing a £3 million fund to support
innovative research to develop new ways of detecting explosive
devices concealed in electrical items.
Companies and universities are invited to bid for money by
submitting proposals for original research in the field of
concealed explosives. And new methods of detecting whether
electrical items have been tampered with or appear irregular are
also of interest.
The proposals can focus on either screening electrical items
within bags at an airport’s central search area, or the use of
more portable technology to screen items at other points in the
passenger journey.
Once ready for commercial use, the new technologies will enhance
our ability to prevent terrorist attacks on aviation while
improving the experience of passengers.
Security Minister, said:
“Aviation security is a Government priority and one with an ever
changing threat landscape.
“We need to embrace and encourage the talent from industry that
will allow us to stay several steps ahead of those who wish us
harm.”
, Minister for Aviation
said:
“The UK has always been at the forefront of research and
development in the field of aviation security.
“The safety and security of the travelling public will always be
our top priority but we understand that this can sometimes be
inconvenient for passengers – especially families with young
children.
“As technology improves we want to make the aviation experience
quicker and easier for all holidaymakers.”
The fund is being run as part of a wider multi-million pound
initiative to deliver a step change in aviation security through
Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS).
FASS, a joint Department for Transport and Home Office programme,
is working closely with industry partners to stimulate and fund
research into a broad-range of potential security innovations
from initial concepts through to commercial products.
The full criteria for this open fund can be found on the Defence
and Security Accelerator (DASA) website.
This is just one of the routes to funding that FASS is offering
to the research and technology community. FASS also
encourages applications for research funding via
DASA’s Open Call for
Innovation. This funding mechanism is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week and evaluates ideas, products and services
from anywhere in the UK or abroad.
FASS has already issued £1.64m funding to projects aimed at
improving the screening of passengers, their luggage and
cargo.
Promising results were demonstrated at an event in September,
with phase two of this research due to commence shortly.
