Drone Detection Testing Highlights Security Concerns Around UAS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it has begun testing technology designed to detect, track and identify drones entering restricted air space around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), pose a security threat to transportation security when flown into certain restricted airspace. LAX is the second location for TSA testing along with Miami International Airport.
TSA officials say data collected at the LAX site will help TSA expand this capability to other airports in the future and raise awareness of the risks of encroaching on restricted airspace. The precise location of the DTI technology at LAX is not publicly disclosed.
Concerns expressed by security professionals around drones have gown as they have proliferated in the hands of consumers, businesses and governments and can threaten critical infrastructure, including airports. At ISC East in New York City this November, several educational sessions will address issues around using drones in the security space as well as detection of drones when they present security threats.
One session, featuring ConEd security manager Scott Gross and Jackson Markey of Dedrone, will detail anti-drone measures the New York-based utility has implemented at its Secured Tier 1 energy facility in order to help prevent disruptions to essential services for 10 million customers. Gross and Markey will discuss how to build a threat assessment and a living security strategy that can rapidly respond to new threats as they arise.
In recent years, UAS have grown in popularity and are used for a wide range of commercial and recreational purposes. DTI technology, which operates 24 hours a day, is capable of using radio frequency waves, electro-optical, radar, acoustic, and thermal imaging to identify the precise location of a UAS.
While many UAS are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) software that prevents their use in restricted locations, some operators do not follow rules and safety restrictions. Operators who violate restricted airspace are subject to drone confiscation, civil penalties and potential criminal prosecution, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Since 2021, there have been approximately 90 visual sightings and 5,200 technical detections within three miles of the LAX perimeter. So far this year, approximately 38 drones have been visually detected at LAX including a drone that was reported within 700 feet of an aircraft several days before Super Bowl LVI when SoFi Stadium and LAX were designated as no drone zones.
In June 2022, a drone was flown near a runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia. The FAA shut down air traffic for about 45 minutes following that close call in restricted airspace around DCA.
To attend the ConEd drone session at ISC East, along with 25 others covering all aspects of physical and connected security, register today for the event taking place at the Javits Center in New York City Nov. 15-17, 2022.