TSA procures new x-ray scanners for airport checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has procured three Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray scanner orders worth up to $1.3 billion to be deployed at airport checkpoints.

The orders call for up to 426 base, 359 mid-size and 429 full-size scanner units, if all options are exercised, for deployment across TSA checkpoints starting in the summer of 2023.

Analogic Corporation is slated to provide base-size units while IDSS Holdings will provide mid-size units and Smiths Detection Incorporated is set to provide full-size CT X-ray systems, per the TSA.

“These CT units represent sophisticated technology that helps our professional, dedicated and highly skilled workforce detect new and evolving threats to improve aviation security,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “Deploying these units across our security checkpoints as expeditiously as possible will also improve checkpoint efficiency and the passenger experience.”

According to the TSA, CT scanners apply algorithms and create 3-D rotatable images to aid operators in detection of explosives and prohibited items. TSA officers have the capability to view and rotate the image on three axes to analyze and identify any threat items that may be in a passenger’s carry-on baggage.

Presently there are approximately 634 CT units currently installed, per the TSA, with installations continuing at TSA checkpoints across the country.