Intruder alert? Not a problem for Changi Airport

Changi Airport will now use advanced fibre sensor technology for its perimeter fence.

According to a release, Changi Airport Group and ST Electronics’ wholly owned subsidiary, ST Electronics announced a collaboration to implement a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) based on Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor* for Changi Airport’s perimeter fence to further strengthen security of the airfield. This is the first time that such technology is being used for perimeter security enhancement anywhere in the world.

The proprietary AgilFence PIDS with intelligent signal processing is developed by ST Electronics based on fibre sensor technology licensed from its research partner, the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research. AgilFence PIDS is specially customised for Changi Airport to meet its unique operational requirements.

Changi Airport’s perimeter is presently covered by a double-layered fence, and round-the-clock patrolling is carried out by security teams. The implementation of AgilFence PIDS will result in better detection of perimeter intrusions, more accurate determination of the incident location and a faster response time by the security team.

CAG’s collaboration with ST Electronics is the result of a consultancy study undertaken by CAG in 2010 to enhance the security of Changi Airport’s perimeter. Detailed market research and technical analysis of various perimeter intrusion detection solutions available in the market were carried out. AgilFence PIDS, which embeds FBG sensors in optical fibre to pin-point the intrusion location, was deemed most suitable.

Unlike non-fibre sensor technologies, the performance of AgilFence PIDS is not affected by factors in Changi Airport’s operating environment, such as the presence of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Also, AgilFence PIDS, with its high pinpointing accuracy, allows optimal deployment of CCTVs around the perimeter fence. The unique signal processing algorithm in AgilFence PIDS allows FBG sensors at specific areas to be customised to achieve a higher probability of detection while reducing the possibility of false alarms triggered by weather elements and wildlife along the perimeter (see Annex A).

Work on the implementation of AgilFence PIDS at Changi Airport will commence immediately. It will be rolled out in stages along the airport’s perimeter and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2012. As part of the partnership, CAG and ST Electronics will also work together to promote AgilFence PIDS on a commercial basis to other airport operators and installations with long fence lines looking for solutions to enhance perimeter security at their premises.

Photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano

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