TSA to acquire additional CT x-ray scanners

Analogic Corporation has secured a $198 million Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agreement to secure mid-sized Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray systems for TSA checkpoints.

“This award is another important step in enhancing aviation security,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “It provides our dedicated frontline officers with one of the best tools available to screen passenger carry-on items and also improves the passenger experience by allowing passengers to keep more items in their carry-on bags during the screening process.”

Officials said the agreement is in accordance with a comprehensive effort to enhance security screening, establishing a contract for the purchase of over 300 mid-sized units the TSA anticipates would begin deployment to airport checkpoints early next year.

The scanners apply algorithms capable of detecting explosives by creating 3-D images, authorities noted, adding TSA personnel can view and rotate the image on three axes to analyze and identify threat items potentially in a passenger’s baggage. Additionally, officials said the equipment is sized to fit the checkpoint environment.

The TSA indicated the CT x-ray systems deliver such a clear picture of a bag’s contents that computers can automatically detect explosives, including liquids. According to the TSA, the future goal is to keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids inside of the bag during checkpoint screening.