The July 2018 print issue of Professional Security magazine features the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), which was explained at the recent 3CDSE defence and security show at Great Malvern.
DASA is launching a new competition on behalf of the Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) seeking new products for vehicle checkpoint (VCP) screening at airports. The aim; to prevent explosives and weapons from reaching the secure airside area. As DASA (part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the Ministry of Defence) says, VCPs play a vital role in the functioning of airports, as all vehicles must be security screened before being authorised to access the secure airside perimeter. VCPs screen a variety of vehicles, carrying goods which are vital for airports to operate. While processes are effective in detecting threats, they can be laborious and time consuming which can affect the smooth running of airports.
And hence the competition, seeking new ways to check vehicle engine compartments, conventional bonnet and ‘tilt cab’; bulky loads such as construction materials, large liquids (including fuel containers) or sealed packages; and screening other hard to search parts of the vehicle, such as the driver’s cab or load space.
The FASS programme is spending £25.5m over five years to promote innovation in aviation security. Contracts are expected to be awarded in January 2019 and will run for six months. The Government expects that a second phase of funding will be made available to help further develop promising projects. Queries should be sent to [email protected].
Picture by Mark Rowe; outside City Airport, London Docklands.
