Today, all airlines use simulators as a key component in training pilots and in maintaining their qualification. XDsystems plans to make simulators as common in the training of airport security screeners. The company has developed a simulator that brings screeners to a high level of proficiency in spotting concealed explosives on their monitor screens.
The XDsystems simulator electronically re-creates the screener’s X-ray machine monitor and controls, and shows the endless procession of baggage flowing through it. Concealed inside some of the bags are explosives, which the screener learns to spot.
New screeners begin training with simple challenges, and as they learn the bar is raised ever higher, until they are able to spot exotic compounds and improvised explosives, and well-concealed devices.
Moving beyond initial training, professional screeners will be able to use the simulator to maintain their proficiency, just like the airline pilots.
An interesting feature of the XDsystems simulator is that when new threat types are discovered, they can be immediately added to the simulators. This will allow screeners to quickly become familiar with them, plugging potential security holes in the fastest way. XDsystems works with a range of security agencies to spot such new compounds or hiding techniques and to recreate them quickly.
The key to this rapid response capability is the internet connectivity of the system, which allows simulators to be updated much like a home antivirus program updates its database. All communications are carried out in a heavily encrypted format.
The internet also offers other advantages. Staff can be trained away from the heavily overworked live screening areas - the system is designed for centralized management of several remote locations. Being fully computerized, the simulator allows a complete record to be kept of each screener’s progress and current competency. It also reports on the competence level of each actual station.
Given the rising sophistication of terrorists in recent years, XDsystems simulator is a program that comes at the right time and place, and will provide a needed boost to air travel safety.
