Airliner to Defend Itself If Hijacked

Filed in archive Aviation News on September 19, 2006

Britain's BAE Systems announced the development and testing of an airliner they intend to be hijack-proof, partly through the ability of the craft to steer clear of tall buildings if taken over by terrorists.

European aviation specialists have been involved in a four-year, $25 million project to defend airlines in the event terrorists somehow make it through an airport's security. Part of the project includes a computer system that can detect suspicious behavior and will be to identify if an intruder is trying to take control of the aircraft.

Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment coordinator Daniel Gaultier said in a British paper:

"You never reach zero level of threat, no risk, but if you equip planes with on-board electronics, it will make them very difficult to hijack."

Simulation tests on the project began in July and are expected to continue through 2007.