The introduction of the Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) in UK airports provides opportunities to further enhance our security screening capability, for example:
- Reduced operator burden.
- Reduced false alarms.
- Implementation of additional standards for explosives and other threats.
The current cabin baggage screening system largely uses a two-stage approach of “primary detection” provided by computed tomography (CT) or dual-view (DV) X-ray followed by “secondary alarm resolution” techniques using explosives trace detection (ETD) and liquid explosive detection systems (LEDS).
Primary detection systems have demonstrated the capability to detect a wide range of threats with operationally viable false alarm rates. The aspiration of the UK Department for Transport (DfT) is to ensure that the security checkpoint meets the highest possible threat detection capability while remaining operationally viable. To enable this system level performance there is a requirement to ensure that the system can detect the widest range of threats.
DfT has recently initiated project HADeS which aims to enhance our checkpoint security screening capability. This project will focus on alarm resolution and/or any concept of operation which can enhance the performance of the checkpoint screening system.
The following will be in scope:
- Enhancements to currently deployed technologies to increase threat detection coverage and/or reduce operational false alarm rate e.g. algorithm development or hardware modifications.
- Development of both high technology readiness level (TRL) concepts and systems, and novel and emerging technologies.
- Systems of systems approach (combination of current or future technologies to address the full threat picture).
- Sandbox testing of high TRL systems.
- Maximising data utilisation, for example enabling interoperability between primary detection and alarm resolution to enable threat classification, data fusion to support decision making.
Draft agenda
09:00 – 09:45 Registration
09:45 – 10:00 Welcome and introductions
10:00 – 10:15 Overview of the day
10:15 – 11:00 Introduction to project HADeS (scope, objectives and roadmap)
11:00 – 11:15 Coffee break
11:15 – 12:30 Break out session 1
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:15 Break out session 2
15:15 – 15:30 Coffee break
15:30 – 16:15 Summary of break out session discussions
16:15 – 16:30 Q&A session
16:30 – 16:45 Closing remarks and next steps
16:45 – 18:00 Informal networking
Workshop attendance
Attendance is not limited to current providers of aviation security equipment and we are keen to have technical representation from as many organisations as possible. Numbers are limited to one representative per organisation and security clearance is not required.
The workshop will be an in-person only event. We plan to host a webinar, date still to be confirmed, to enable those not able to attend the workshop the opportunity to be briefed on project HADeS and ask any questions.
*Please note, we will review applications to attend and confirm in writing if your place has been confirmed.
