"'Hijack-proof' Jets Tested in Europe"

Monday, September 11, 2006

'Hijack-proof' Jets Tested in Europe
United Press International


Trials have begun in Europe on the first "hijack-proof" airliner, which
would be able to steer itself away from buildings, it was reported Sunday.

The new technology, which will start becoming available in 2008, also would
let a plane land safely if terrorists kill the pilot, The Sunday Times of
London reports.

In addition, microphones would be able to eavesdrop on passengers'
conversations while closed-circuit TV detects suspicious movements.

The plans, developed by a consortium including France's Airbus airplane
manufacturer and Britain's BAE Systems, the world's fourth largest defense
contractor, have been in development since shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001,
terror attacks.

The first tests were carried out last month in Bristol, England, and
Hamburg, Germany, The Sunday Times said.

"We think it is important that the public is reassured we are doing
everything possible to get them maximum protection," said Daniel Gaultier,
the project's Paris-based coordinator.

Similar work is being done separately in the United States.

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