Aug 16, 2010 14:19 GMT  ·  By
Lockheed Martin researchers create an innovative perimeter security system for government and commercial applications
   Lockheed Martin researchers create an innovative perimeter security system for government and commercial applications

A group of private experts announces the development of a new system for protecting perimeters, that is more efficient than any other in existence today.

The system was developed by scientists and engineers at the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company’s (LMSSC) Advanced Technology Center (ATC), who worked with experts at the Santa Clara, California-based Intelleflex.

According to a press release from Lockheed, the perimeter security took was developed at the specific request of the United States government, but it's also suitable for commercial applications.

Even though most of the system is made up of commercially-available parts and software, experts at both companies pooled their proprietary technologies together, in order to augment its performances.

The instrument now includes modified firmware, modified interrogation protocols, new detection and tracking algorithms, and real-time operator response, the document says.

“We developed this system in response to needs articulated by the US Government. Our goal was to create a robust and versatile system that offers an affordable solution to new challenges for perimeter security,” says Dr. Vibeke Libby.

The expert is the principal scientist at the ATC, and also the inventor of the VAMS (Versatile Advanced Monitoring System).

“Our close partnership with Intelleflex is ideal. We have been able to combine our companies’ proprietary technologies resulting in an unprecedented range of new capabilities,” the scientist adds.

“For example, VAMS will detect stationary objects, single or multiple intruders, air-dropped items, left-behind items, and even intruders who vault perimeter fences or drop by parachute. As an intrusion is detected, a camera is automatically cued and pointed at the intrusion coordinates for operator alarm and verification,” Libby reveals.

The US government requested the creation of VAMS because the country is currently dealing with numerous threats, that jeopardize its security.

Protection of borders and critical infrastructures is currently on of the government's main objective, and VAMS can easily be seen as a help in this area.

The system can detect multiple intruders, movement, airborne intruders, or other sorts of security breaches. It can then alert a human operator to take control of the situation.

According to Lockheed, the system is equally effective indoors as it is outdoors.