Airbus tests threat detection system

MOBILE, Ala. - Airbus and Koniku Inc. have moved forward in the automated and contactless detection of chemical, biological and explosive threats for the aviation industry. Partnering with the Mobile police department, the canine squad from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and FBI bomb technicians, Airbus led a series of field tests evaluating the performance of the Konikore explosive detection device. The device was able to detect a widely used primary high explosive, frequently outperforming existing systems used in security threat detection. In these double blinded tests, the Konikore showed perfect score in sensitivity and specificity in detecting explosive ordinance. Airbus is preparing a series of additional tests with its airport partners, including Singapore Changi Airport and San Francisco International Airport, to validate the integration of this technology into existing airport security processes for unregulated areas. The Konicore technology uses genetically engineered odorant receptors that produce an alarm signal when they come into contact with the molecular compounds of the hazard or threat that they have been programmed to detect. Airbus and Koniku Inc. entered into a multi-year agreement in 2017 that leverages Airbus’ expertise in sensor integration and security operations with Koniku’s biotechnology know-how for automated and scalable volatile organic compound detection. (Source: Airbus, 10/02/20) Airbus assembles A320 and A220 jetliners in Mobile.