HOMELAND SECURITY

15 Apr 08. Global Security Challenge (GSC), the largest international security innovation competition, is open for entries, offering security start-ups worldwide the opportunity to showcase their inventions and compete for over $500,000 in cash-grants. The GSC, which is in its third year, aims to identify, explore and foster innovation in the field of homeland security. It was established in 2006 by London Business School students to empower start ups in the homeland security technology space. The aim is to support the development of innovative technologies and ensure their success.. There are prizes in a number of different categories and each submission will receive feedback on their submission. The winners of the first two GSC competitions, Ingenia Technology and NoblePeak Vision talk effusively about their experience with the Global Security Challenge. Both companies report substantial new investments, growth and further development of their security technologies since winning the award. As Innovators can enter this year’s competition by submitting ideas before June 15th 2008. The 2008 challenge will see regional semi-finals in Europe, Asia and North America and will culminate with the grand final conference in London on November 13.
Submission Deadline for Startups & Ideas: June 15th 2008
Final: London November 13, 2008
For more information on the GSC, including how to enter, please visit: www.globalsecuritychallenge.com .
The Global Security Challenge (GSC) is an annual competition to find the most promising security start-up in the world. The founders have gained experience in the security technology sector with IBM and the National Security Council at the White House.

22 Apr 08. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has selected the SELEX GALILEO SEASPRAY 7500E AESA surveillance radar system for its HC-130H radar upgrade program. This follow on contract for the production element has been awarded after successful demonstration of this revolutionary technology. The contract valued at US$32m for this phase, is scheduled to run over the next four years. A total of 15 HC-130H aircraft will be upgraded to a new level of capability. The SEASPRAY 7500E electronically scanned array (ESCAN) radar, which operates using a dedicated multi station display suite and surveillance/SAR, will be the primary sensor on the USCG’s front line long range maritime surveillance aircraft. Manufacture, configuration management training and engineering support of the radar systems, will be carried out by SELEX GALILEO at its primary operating site in Edinburgh, Scotland. Installation, kit fabrication, and aircraft modification will be provided by SELEX S&AS US Inc and Pegasus International Inc. at Stennis International Airport near Kiln, Mississippi.

23 Apr 08. Harris Corporation is providing its new RF-7800W high-capacity line-of-sight radios to a U.S. government project for maximizing the use of high-quality digital images in emergency management. Harris is supplying the RF-7800W to the Real Time Airborne Management System (RAMS) for emergency scenarios. The RAMS system will enable public safety teams to receive up-to-date digital images to direct their response to natural disasters such as hurricanes, which can damage the landscape and hinder the ability of emergency crews to respond to victims in need. The system is being funded under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with Pictometry International Corp. as the lead contractor.

16 Apr 08. Taser Stun Gun: MoD Police (MDP) Trial. The MoD advised (16 Apr 08) that the MDP had started a five month trial of the X26 Taser. Over 60 firearms-authorised members of the MDP have attended a two-day training course on the non-lethal weapon, which is being issued to those on duty at the MoD Main Building and at Regents Park Barracks.
Comment: The MDP trial follows the issue of Tasers to Pol