Automatic watchman

Leaving an aircraft parked in the open, attended or otherwise, invites theft and mischief, so a Maryland company has developed an automated camera system that should make thieves and mischief-makers think twice.

Aero Sentry by Intelligent Automation Inc. is a system composed of four interlinked radio transceivers that create an electronic tripwire, and a camera system that can be positioned to capture a 360-degree view around an aircraft (or any other valuable asset, such as a fuel truck). Developed for military use, it is now available to civilian customers at a cost of about $10,000 with the standard four node camera system, said company officials.

Intelligent Automation Senior Director of Advanced Technology Peter Chen said customers have the option of customizing their setup with different cameras, or additional cameras, which can affect the system price. The standard setup uses a fisheye lens, so any intruders who cross the invisible electronic tripwire created by the transceivers will appear somewhat distorted when their picture arrives on the user’s mobile device.

The system can operate up to two weeks at a time unattended, and the components are sealed against dust, rain, or splashing water.

The transceivers that create the tripwire are designed to slide into any standard traffic cone, and positioned around the asset they protect. The system sends a confirmation upon activation, and notifies the user by text or email of any intrusions, pictures included, until it is deactivated by the user.