On the radar
Joseph Clarke, Assistant Editor at Security Buyer, delves into the use of radar technology in airports, highlighting their role in minimising threats and reducing false alarms Airports, the gateways of our globalised world, are bustling hubs that pose intricate security challenges. The aviation industry continually seeks to enhance security measures with technology being the primary tool in combating threats. In this context, radar solutions emerge as a transformative and crucial layer in airport security. But what is it about radar technology that stands out, and how does it integrate with other security tools at airports? Airports present a distinctive security challenge. As the aviation industry hurtles towards an era marked by an increasing reliance on technology, radar systems, once exclusively tethered to navigation, have been earmarked for their potential to redefine airport security. Let’s journey through the transformative advancements in radar technologies and their applications in modern airport security infrastructure. From their genesis during the Second World War as tools for detection and navigation, radar systems have continually evolved. Their ability to detect objects at a distance, even under challenging conditions, has made them an invaluable asset. Over the past decade, as threats to airport security have become more varied and sophisticated, there has been a pivot towards leveraging radar’s capabilities to protect airport perimeters and manage airspace. With evolving threats in today’s dynamic world, traditional surveillance methods, although essential, often fall short in offering comprehensive protection. Enter radar technology — a solution that not only addresses the contemporary challenges of airport security but also paves the way for the future. From a technical standpoint, radar systems utilise electromagnetic waves to detect objects, movements, and disturbances over vast distances. Unlike visual-based surveillance methods which can be hindered by poor lighting or visual obstructions, radar remains unaffected, ensuring consistent and reliable detection. One of radar’s most significant technical advantages is its all-weather operational capability. Whether it’s fog, heavy rain, snow, or even dust storms, radar systems continue to function optimally, ensuring no security lapse due to environmental conditions — an essential feature given the unpredictable nature of weather in many global regions. Given the expansive nature of airport premises, security solutions must cover vast perimeters. Radars can survey large swathes of land, providing real-time data on potential threats even before they approach critical zones. This ability to pre-emptively identify threats allows security personnel to act swiftly, mitigating potential risks. Modern radar systems often integrate with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sophisticated analytics tools. This synergy allows for the differentiation between benign movements (like birds) and potential threats (such as drones). By reducing false alarms, it ensures security resources are utilised effectively and judiciously. Technically, radar systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with other security infrastructure components like CCTV, infrared cameras, and access control systems. Such integration offers a layered security approach, where each system complements the other, ensuring no security gaps. The real-time processing capability of radar systems ensures that threats are not just identified, but also tracked in real-time. This continuous monitoring is crucial for airports where threats need to be neutralised long before they reach sensitive zones. While the initial investment for radar technology might be considerable, the long-term benefits — reduced false alarms, lesser dependency on human intervention and decreased vulnerability to environmental factors — make it a cost-effective solution over time. As we progress into an era defined by technological innovation, the aviation industry needs to remain proactive rather than reactive. Traditional surveillance systems, while still valuable, must be augmented with advanced solutions like radar to address the evolving security landscape. Airports, being symbolic gateways, cannot afford lapses in security. The integration of radar technology represents more than just an upgrade; it symbolises a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding national and international interests. Moreover, as the line between cyber and physical threats becomes increasingly blurred, the potential for integrating radar’s real-time data with digital security systems opens up a new frontier in holistic airport security. Radar technology, with its technical prowess, is not merely an addition to the airport security toolkit; it is rapidly becoming its linchpin. As we envision the future of airport security, it’s clear that solutions will be characterised by their ability to predict and pre-empt threats. In this context, radar systems, complemented by AI and integrated with other security measures, will stand as the bedrock of a new era in airport security. So, what advancements and examples of applications demonstrate the full potential of radar in airport transportation? The Advancements High-Definition Scanning: Modern radar systems can produce high-definition scans, allowing for the precise identification of objects. This sharpness is essential, given the sprawling expanse of most airport premises. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Some radar systems now integrate AI to help differentiate between potential threats and benign movements. For instance, the distinction between a bird and a drone is crucial to eliminate false alarms and direct resources effectively. Expanding the scope of surveillance is crucial. Certain radar technologies can monitor both sides of a perimeter and even identify threats that loom beyond the physical boundaries. There are a number of radar specialists in the market including the likes of Raytheon, Saab, Echodyne, Thales, AdvancedGuard and so many more. Here is a brief overview of some of the different types of technologies in the market. Raytheon’s radar systems are renowned for their efficiency in tracking airborne objects. Airports such as London’s Heathrow employ Raytheon’s radar for bird detection – mitigating the risks of bird strikes which can lead to serious accidents. Lockheed Martin on the other hand, are known for their ground-based radars, such as the TPS-79, that are adept at identifying potential threats, be they human or vehicular, around airport perimeters. A case in point is Los Angeles International Airport, which utilises this technology to enhance its perimeter security. Saab, a Swedish company, is at the forefront of utilising radar technology for air traffic management. Their systems, adopted by airports like Hong Kong International, ensure safe and efficient flight operations. Thales Group have radar systems
