Airport Business - 37

SECURITY
* Recover (ensure that all processes and
systems are operating in a nominal
fashion and that the threat/incident
is contained)

Layering Surveillance
Radar Into Physical
Security Solutions
Commonly missing from most airports'
layered physical security strategy is one
of the first layers - namely, the longrange detection of intruders prior to their
arriving at or breaching the airport's
perimeters or airspace.
One technology that has been used
for long-range detection in defense
and critical infrastructure sectors, but
is only recently becoming well known
in airport security circles, is long-range
surveillance radar.
Radar is a sensor that uses radio
waves to detect movement within line
of sight in an environment. Due to
the complexity of most radar systems,
the radar can commonly detect the
presence, position, and motion of objects
in its vicinity such as humans, animals,
vehicles, aircraft, ships, vehicles and
drones, depending on the radar provider.
These radar systems typically provide
real-time surveillance and all-weather
detection and tracking sensors unaffected
rain, snow, wind, or other environmental
factors. Perimeter security radar systems
are used to monitor large areas, even
hundreds of acres with a single sensor,
It's important when a radar
detects a target that it can
also classify that movement
and differentiate the types of
threats in a given area.
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while detecting and tracking targets
from 1-15 km ranges. The result is that
airports can be notified and provided
with the real-time information needed
to respond to potential threats as they
happen.
T here a re adva nt a ge s a nd
disadvantages to using surveillance
radar systems as part of a layered physical
security solution. However, in most
cases, the pros highly outweigh the cons.

Advantages to Surveillance Radar Technology
One advantage of surveillance radar
solutions is the ability to provide
detection beyond a perimeter. Because
radar systems usually have a range much
farther than the perimeter of a site,
airports can use the radar technology
to detect potential security threats prior
to the threat or intruder reaching the
perimeter of the airport. Being able to
detect threats at long distances allows
for earlier warning and the potential for

mitigation prior to the threat causing
airport shutdowns, flight delays, negative
PR, and other issues. Radar solutions
currently available have proven success
at detecting intrusions at distances that
provided airport security personnel with
more than 20 minutes' notice prior to
the intruder's arrival at the perimeter
fence. As a result, security stakeholders
can assess the situation and take proactive
steps to interdict intruders before they
cause serious problems.
A second advantage to today's
advanced surveillance radar solutions
is their ability to classify potential
targets in real time. This feature means
the radar collects feature data, which
is run through a "classification engine."
This real-time process enables the
radar system to make probability-based
determinations about whether the target
is a person, animal, ground vehicle,
aircraft, or even a drone.
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FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A
SURVEILLANCE RADAR PROVIDER
Detection Ranges: One of the first things to look
for in a surveillance radar provider is the comparison
of the size of an airport site and the detection ranges
for the radar. If an airport site includes thousands of
acres and the radar cannot detect objects more than
250 meters, the airport will need several radars to
full coverage, which can get pricey.
Target Classification: Different types of threats to
critical sites - people, vehicles, animals, aircraft,
or drones - will most likely determine the type
of response needed from security personnel. It is
important when a radar detects a target that it can
also classify that movement and differentiate the
types of threats in a given area. If the radar does
not classify targets, then its value as a new layer of
security is limited. Detecting targets is key, but real
value comes when the radar is able to distinguish
between real targets of concern and nuisances.
Alarm Zones: Because radar can cover large areas
at long ranges within an environment, it is often
the case that radar users can see a large number of
alarms, including false alarms. Having the ability
to create custom zones that can be configured
to alarm only on certain classifications of targets
will significantly decrease the number of alarms
received. Creating customized alarm zones will
improve security workflows and decrease the
amount of time security personnel spend following
up on false alarms. In addition, do not forget about
ignore-zones. Having the ability to ignore an entire
area that is not of concern can be of high value to
security personnel.
Integration: When considering a new layer of
physical security, one of the most important

questions is how the system will integrate with
current physical security solutions. Does the radar
system need to integrate with a video management
system (VMS), a physical security information
management system (PSIM), or an access control
system (ACS)? What about cameras, alarms, lights,
automated alarms and responses? Knowing how the
full solution will work as a whole is fundamental.
Oftentimes, radar surveillance is used as the first
level of defense against threats because of radar's
ability to detect potential threats at significant
ranges. But if the radar system cannot integrate with
other security solutions, how useful and effective is
it? Understand on the front-end of the purchasing
process how the system will integrate and enhance
your physical security.
Maintenance and Support: Several surveillance
radar products on the market use rotating antennas
to provide full coverage of areas under surveillance.
Of course, this rotation requires mechanical
maintenance on the hardware. Also, all technologies
require software updates or other types of upkeep,
so be sure to understand what is required from a
radar provider.
Overall, surveillance radar technology is a
beneficial solution to enhance perimeter protection
and physical security at airports of all sizes
and environments. Radar solutions can detect
threats both on the ground and in low-altitude
airspace simultaneously to prevent airports from
experiencing security risks related to intruders and
drones. Integrating radar solutions into a physical
security platform provides full coverage situational
awareness to keep airports and perimeters safe.

OCTOBER 2020 \ AVIATIONPROS.COM / 37
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Airport Business

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