News Briefs

Air Safety Week,  Oct 9, 2006  

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Date: 3-Oct
Incident: Self-healing cables - Threading a cable through the chassis of a car,
boat or plane can be tricky. Sharp metal edges can cut the cable insulation,
shorting power and even starting a fire. Researchers at the University of
Vermont, US, have been working with NASA on a type of cable insulation that
heals itself when breached. The healed section also adds a protective layer
against further damage in future. The central live wire within the cable is
surrounded by a layer of insulation laced with a soft resin. Glue hardener is
also sealed inside microcapsules that are dispersed within the insulation
layer. Under normal circumstances the microcapsules keep the hardener away from
the resin, so the cable remains soft and easy to thread. But if the cable
insulation is chafed or breached, the microcapsules break open to release the
hardener. This heals the insulation and adds a solid section that should
prevent further damage.  ( see http://qurl.com/4j8lj )

Date: 28-Sep
Incident: Runway Incursions - The FAA has been evaluating a new technology from
Norris Electro Optical Systems designed to automatically detect potential
airport surface incursions and collisions, and warn the affected pilots
directly and instantaneously. The Norris ARIPS (Airport Runway Incursion
Prevention System) employs ultraviolet light emitted from modified runway and
taxiway lights, along with corresponding detectors, arranged to provide 'trip
wires' at pertinent runway thresholds and crossings to detect moving aircraft
and other vehicles. A software application processes the detection information
to create an alert such as changing the state of runway status indicators. The
ultraviolet light sensors aren't affected by weather such as fog and rain, and
can be installed on in-place taxi and runway lighting without disrupting normal
airfield activities. It requires no major integration with other systems, and
can be integrated into an airport's existing power sources. ARIPS' simplicity
allows it to be procured and

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