WASHINGTON, April 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Five international airports in the United States will test new technology ranging from the cell phones to high-tech iris scanners to better protect them from terrorism, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Monday.

    "These programs will deploy various technologies, including state-of-the-art video surveillance, Radio Frequency Identification cards, iris scan readers, and hand geometry readersto protect against unwanted guests going to secure areas of the airport," David M. Stone, assistant secretary of homeland securityfor the TSA, said.

    The new tests constitute phase two of a plan to improve security around airport perimeters, which are of particular concern because people could position themselves outside airports with shoulder-fired missiles, known as man-portable air defense systems, officials said.

    The airports taking part in the pilot programs are Logan in Boston, JFK International Airport in New York, Denver International Airport in Colorado, Orlando International Airport in Florida and the Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. At Logan, the TSA and the Massachusetts Port Authority will test an advanced water perimeter intrusion detection system, which can identify authorized people near active runways.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with TSA, will test a barrier-free boundary surrounding a cargo warehouse atJFK airport. People who are authorized to enter the secure area will have a personal radio-frequency identification card and will need to have their fingerprint scanned prior to gaining access. Inaddition, the TSA will deploy a state-of-the-art video surveillance system to monitor access.

    Working with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the TSA will test equipment to monitor access of vehicles into secure areas of the airport at Orlando International Airport. The TSA will analyzethe use of a dual iris scan recognition reader at a vehicle accessgate to allow only authorized personnel through.

    Denver International Airport will test a barrier-free boundary surrounding a cargo warehouse at the airport using technology including ultrasonic emitters and microwave sensors. In this test,everyone authorized to enter the secure area will have to have their fingerprint scanned prior to entry. An advanced video surveillance system will also be installed to monitor access.

    Salt Lake City Department of Airports will focus on enhancing access control to the baggage area entrance, which is part of the non-public, secure side of the airport. The technologies will include a hand geometry reader and a video motion surveillance analysis system to prevent personnel from piggybacking through thedoor.

    The TSA said the technologies will be tested to determine both their effectiveness and their impact on airport operations. TSA will collect and share data on the technologies with the industry so they may utilize it for future projects. Enditem