Birmingham Airport Chaos Calls for Better Security Solutions

Birmingham Airport experienced chaos last week due to a ‘technical issue’ at security, causing significant delays and missed flights during peak hours. Reports described the situation as a “disaster,” with one person collapsing amidst the turmoil. The airport admitted the security problem exacerbated the already busy schedule, affecting operations. Passengers vented frustration on social media, citing long queues and missed flights. The chaos at Birmingham coincides with the US Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to bolster security, including a $3.8 million contract with AI security company Liberty Defense Holdings (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF) for its advanced security solutions that can detect concealed weapons in high-traffic areas like airports, stadiums, and schools. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX), Leidos Holdings (NYSE:LDOS), Evolv Technology (NASDAQ:EVLV), and Xtract One Technologies (TSX:XTRA) (OTCQX:XTRAF) are also contributing to improving security by implementing contactless security solutions in various private and public environments.

Liberty Defense Holdings (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF) HEXWAVE system, developed with technology from MIT, utilizes millimeter wave, 3D imaging and AI to identify both metallic and non-metallic weapons and prohibited items. These technologies are exclusively licensed and developed in-house. In addition, Liberty is innovating aviation passenger screening with millimeter wave-based High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) for body and shoe scanning. 

On May 6, Liberty Defense announced the shipment of multiple HEXWAVE units to a major airport in Canada.

HEXWAVE, chosen for its advanced threat detection capabilities, will enhance security by identifying a wide range of items including metals, non-metal threats, liquids, and plastic explosives, among others. 

“We are thrilled that we are delivering our next generation technology for a layered security approach in an airport setting,” said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense. “The flexibility of the HEXWAVE allows for quick deployment and movement of the HEXWAVE to areas inside and outside the airport. We look forward to working with the airport on their continued aviation industry innovation.”

Furthermore, Liberty Defense is expanding internationally, shipping HEXWAVE units to Amsterdam and Subic Bay Airport. Liberty’s collaboration with foreign companies ensures seamless integration with existing security systems for comprehensive screening.

Click here for more information on Liberty Defense (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF).  

Major Developments in Public Safety, Military, and Sports Security Sectors

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has secured the fifth option year of the Maintenance Of Space Situational Awareness Integrated Capabilities (MOSSAIC) program, a contract valued at up to $187 million from the US Space Force. The MOSSAIC program supports US military space surveillance and command centers in Colorado, California, and Virginia by providing critical surveillance data to military, civil, and commercial users.Under this contract, L3Harris will perform system upgrades, including developing advanced sensor metadata crucial for tactical space domain awareness. The MOSSAIC program has an estimated contract value of up to $1.2 billion over 10 years.

Leidos Holdings (NYSE:LDOS) has been awarded a follow-on prime contract to support US Army technology services with a potential value of $267 million, if all options are exercised. This Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) task order includes hardware sustainment, modernization, training, and logistics. Leidos will enhance Army C5ISR systems, handling assessments, upgrades, warehousing, and shipping. Awarded by the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, the work supports various Army divisions and continues Leidos’ decade-long support, having deployed nearly 9,000 C5ISR systems and trained over 167,000 soldiers.

Xtract One Technologies (TSX:XTRA) (OTCQX:XTRAF) announced that its Multi-Sensor-Gateway portfolio, including the SmartGateway and SafeGateway, has been recognized as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) under the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation. As a result, Xtract One now meets mandatory security standards required by several major sports leagues and venues in the United States, including the NHL and ML). The designation is based on thorough evaluations which include weapon detection capabilities, operational use, manufacturing consistency, and customer feedback.

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ:EVLV) has teamed up with Footprint Center to deploy its Evolv Express® screening solution. This partnership aims to enhance security and improve the fan experience at the arena. By using advanced sensor technology and AI, Evolv Express can detect threats more accurately and efficiently, allowing fans to enter the arena quickly and smoothly. Unlike traditional methods, fans won’t need individual checks with wands or metal detectors, reducing lines and bottlenecks. Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, is among the first NBA arenas to adopt Evolv Technology. Many other sports facilities, including those hosting the 2026 World Cup, are also using Evolv for weapons detection, demonstrating its widespread adoption in the sports industry.

On April 18, 2024, Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF) received a payment of $1 million for 15 HEXWAVE™ systems from Viken Detection. Viken, a leader in threat detection, partners with Liberty to expand security screening in the Americas. Viken provides reliable technology for public safety organizations, including customs agencies and law enforcement. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Viken operates within the Boston Technology Corridor.

Click here for more information on Liberty Defense (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF).  

Featured Image @ FreePik

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