KID-Systeme wins a 350 cabin surveillance contract

Article Type: Safety topics and notes From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 4

KID-Systeme, a provider of aircraft cabin electronics, recently announced that it has been selected to supply cabin surveillance equipment for the Airbus A350 XWB family of aircraft. The integrated solution will include both a cockpit door surveillance system (CDSS) and a cabin video monitoring system (CVMS). The combination of both systems increases the security of the aircraft, in line with amendments to ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices.

The CDSS improves security by providing the pilots with a clear view of anyone in the area of the cockpit door, enabling them to take the appropriate action when entry to the cockpit is requested. The CVMS allows both the pilots and the cabin crew to view passengers, with a range of benefits, both in terms of security and passenger comfort. For example, suspicious behaviour can be monitored remotely, and pilots can have a clear view of the impact of turbulence on passengers.

Patrick Schrot, Managing Director of KID-Systeme, said “Supplying cabin surveillance equipment for the A350 plays to our key strengths. Firstly, we are experts at developing cabin electronics systems. Secondly, we are located on site, where Airbus develops its electronic communications and cabin management systems, meaning we can work very closely with the Airbus team during development stages.”

The A350 cabin surveillance is based on network technology that consists of cameras and microphones, network switches and a video processing unit. It will be fully integrated into the Cabin Intercommunications Data System, developed by Airbus in Buxtehude, providing data recording and video system configuration tools.

The KID-Systeme surveillance system is modular, meaning it can be configured to suit airline’s individual needs. It will initially be available as a line-fit option on all A350s when the aircraft type enters commercial service in 2013.