New Type Of Plane For A New, Lamentable Era

With remembrance and reflection on the events of September 11 a major focus this week, perhaps it shouldn't be surprising one airplane manufacturer is exploring ways to insure one of its planes is never used in a terror attack.

Europe's Airbus is reportedly testing the first "hijack-proof" airliner, designed as a final method of defense against terrorists who succeed in slipping through airport security.

Such a plane could steer itself away from tall buildings, according to the aerospace consortium... as well as keep a close on passenger actions and conversations, by utilizing closed circuit television and microphones throughout the cabin.

As the final resort, biometric sensors could detect if someone other than the pilot has their hands on the controls... and keep the plane on its course, no matter what. Those methods go far beyond reinforced cockpit door, and onboard undercover air marshals now employed.

"We cannot say you will reach a zero level of risk, there is no such thing, but we think it is important that the public is reassured we are doing everything possible to get them maximum protection," said Daniel Gaultier, coordinator of the Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment program, to London's Sunday Times.

The first tests of an aircraft so equipped were carried out last month, using actors in planes on the ground in Bristol and Hamburg. Initial components of the system are expected to be offered as options to carriers in mid-2008, with a fully-equipped aircraft available about a year after that.

A representative with BAE Systems, a partner on the project, said future passengers on such a plane need not fear from a "Big Brother"-type environment.

"We are trying to keep one step ahead of the terrorists," said Catherine O’Neary, team leader of the on-board threat detection system project. "We are not going to be looking at detailed conversations, but just their stress levels."

O'Neary added any non-threatening onboard conversations would be erased at the end of each flight.

FMI: www.airbus.com