Upgrades are underway at the U.S. Capitol for a new security system which, with the help of AI, will monitor for potential airborne threats.
The National Capitol Region around Washington, D.C., has been protected since 9/11 with a network of cameras and lasers to guard the area's skies. On Monday, the Department of Defense announced that this network is being fitted with a new, artificial intelligence-based visual recognition and identification system which will be a "vast improvement" over its predecessor.
"If we need to validate some radar data that we can't for sure say what it is, we can utilize the camera system as an asset to look in that set location to assist in the validation process," said Air Force Master Sgt. Kendrick Wilburn.
The new cameras offer two types of view: a natural, naked eye-type of view and an infrared perspective of the landscape. They are replacing a system installed in 2002, which had itself replaced cameras set up in the aftermath of 9/11.
"You have an extended range—you can see further. We went from standard definition to high definition. The fidelity is incredible," Wilburn said.
"On the infrared side, you have multiple enhanced features like IR colorization. For example, you could utilize a RGB [red, green, blue] filter to where…the object that we're tracking sticks out via heat signature."
A laser range finder enables operators to project an eye-safe laser onto an object to determine its altitude and distance. The system also incorporates machine-learning features, including an advanced auto-tracking capability.
"The system itself tries to identify what it believes the target to be, and then the operator can assess whether to override it or fine-tune it," said Wilburn.
The cameras are also equipped with lasers capable of illuminating the cockpit of a plane, that can be deployed for aircraft that deviate from their assigned flight plan, fail to maintain radio contact, or do not comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's special flight rules.
The Department of Defense said the alternative to the cameras would be the deployment of military aircraft to investigate suspect aircraft, meaning greater cost for the taxpayer.
Two of the new cameras have been installed, with seven new installs a year expected going forward.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Defense for additional information outside of standard working hours.
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