I read with great interest details of the proposed “Robolander” project, found on the link kindly provided by Dagger Dirk. My general impression is that although the technology would certainly be useful in a number of scenarios, to include the suicidal hijack, an extensive certification and testing program requiring many years would be necessary before its successful implementation. Most of the very highly qualified people who have supplied commentary seem to be in agreement, that in the short term a good, strong cockpit door is the only viable solution to satisfy the industry’s immediate requirement.
One writer’s comments;
“The most security, and least additional risk in implementation (probably none) would involve making the cockpit inaccessible to any passenger during flight. If necessary, the barrier could be enhanced to improve its effectiveness against attack, but adding complexity here has no effect on flight safety. Perhaps coupled with video monitoring and screening, many of the perceived shortcomings of locked cockpits and isolated crews could be overcome, but the fundamental fact is that if the hijacker doesn't have access to the cockpit he cannot control the aircraft.
It's as simple as that.”
Further to his, yet another writes;
“Solutions are always possible but in airline aviation there has to be a cost-benefit analysis and some real incentive for the industry and regulator to act. Or at least that used to be the case. I think that question has probably now been resolved. But of course, even though technically possible and plausible now, this is all a bit futuristic and so, in the shorter term, crews (and the populace at large) must be protected by a heavy-duty metal flight-deck door - that being the only credible last-ditch defence. “
Thank you Ghengis for your comments, if your estimate of cost per aircraft is as you say, this would certainly be an effective, cheap and rapid way to eliminate the airliner as a target of significant interest to the terrorist.
Care to start a cockpit barrier manufacturing company? Bet you we could make heaps o’ cash in no time at all…