Electronic Security Access Helps Keep Turboprops Secure

Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing Institute teamed with AirLock Aviation Security Systems and Hawker Beechcraft to develop a new electronic security access system for King Air 200 and 300 series turboprop aircraft.

The FAA has issued a STC for the system, which is available exclusively through Hawker Beechcraft's Rapid Aircraft Parts Inventory and Distribution (RAPID) supply network.

Working in cooperation with Hawker Beechcraft, K-State's Advanced Manufacturing Institute assisted AirLock, of Vienna, OH with part drawings, product development and certification testing leading to the STC. The Advanced Manufacturing Institute also developed and helped execute comprehensive business, marketing and branding plans.

"AirLock is an innovative electronic system that enables controlled access to a specified area of an aircraft and an audit trail of all events," said Bret Lanz, commercialization manager, K-State Advanced Manufacturing Institute.

As a department within K-State's College of Engineering and a Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation Center of Excellence, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute provides engineering and business solutions to the aviation industry. AirLock cylinders replace mechanical locks and the system can be installed in a matter of hours.

It is comprised of a lock cylinder, programmable key and software used to control the system. Power to open the cylinders comes from key batteries. AirLock cylinders do not contain a keyway and cannot be picked like traditional mechanical access locks. It is not possible to duplicate a key for use in the lock, although multiple keys can be programmed to access a lock and each key creates its own unique record of events.

"K-State's Advanced Manufacturing Institute went to great lengths to ensure the marketplace success of AirLock," said Richard Hale, president and chief executive officer of AirLock Aviation Security Systems. "K-State was a valuable resource during our early stage market assessments and in determining our most effective market launch strategies. Additionally, the institute's engineering resources were of great service during our FAA certification efforts. We look forward to continuing our relationship."

In addition to the advanced capabilities of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, K-State is an elite top 5 five aviation university with a fleet of 50 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country.

FMI: www.airlocksecurity.com, www.amisuccess.com, www.flyk-state.com