by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:10 PM ET, Wed April 12, 2023
Airport security checkpoint. (photo via Chalabala/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Starting this summer, the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA)
has ordered over $1 billion worth of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners for
deployment across United States airport checkpoints.
The three combined orders will have a total value of up to
$1.3 billion and include up to 426 base (sold by Analogic Corporation), 359
mid-size (IDSS Holdings) and 429 full-size CT units (Smiths Detection
Incorporated) if all options are exercised.
“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,” Pekoske continued.
The CT scanners apply algorithms to create 3-D rotatable
images that help TSA agents detect explosives and prohibited items. Officers
can view and rotate the photos to analyze and identify threatening items in a
passenger’s carry-on baggage.
The new equipment will be sized to fit the checkpoint
environment, but will utilize the same technology currently used to scan
checked baggage.
Last year, the TSA announced two orders for a combined total
value of up
to $781.2 million to Analogic for the procurement and maintenance of up to
469 base and 469 full-size CT x-ray systems.
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