Research and application of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to enhance aviation security

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology similar in some ways to barcode technology. There are several different types of RFID prototype systems currently being developed to support all aspects of aviation baggage tracking, sortation, and reconciliation. Several operational test programs have taken place, including those sponsored by and conducted by the FAA, in an effort to determine an optimized system design and communications protocols for an internationally accepted RFID standard. This paper discusses the capabilities and features of each of these varied systems as a result of these tests, along with an assessment of their feasibility based on technical maturity and cost-effectiveness. This paper also addresses current RFID technology in terms of systems, components, and propagation, and provides a look forward towards its future applications in the aviation environment in order to help strengthen security controls in the nation's airlines.