Security Shortlines

TSA Acquiring Advanced X-Ray Units and Millimeter Wave Whole Body Imagers TSA Administrator Kip Hawley says his agency will purchase 30 millimeter wave passenger imaging technology units and 580 AT X-ray units in addition to the 250 TSA is already deploying by mid-year. These technologies will be deployed to...

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TSA Acquiring Advanced X-Ray Units and Millimeter Wave Whole Body Imagers

TSA Administrator Kip Hawley says his agency will purchase 30 millimeter wave passenger imaging technology units and 580 AT X-ray units in addition to the 250 TSA is already deploying by mid-year. These technologies will be deployed to airports across the nation and will provide a significant upgrade to security. Millimeter wave, a form of whole body imaging technology, is currently in use at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Since its introduction there, more than 90 percent of passengers have elected to undergo screening with this technology instead of being subjected to pat downs. Los Angeles International and Kennedy International will begin millimeter wave pilots in Spring 2008.

Advanced technology X-ray (AT), used to screen carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint, provides sharper, clearer images by using multiple sensors that improve TSA security officers' ability to detect potential threat items. Some AT units also have automated detection capabilities that will further enhance effectiveness. By comparison, currently deployed technology depends on a single, top-down X-ray view that has not fundamentally changed since the 1970s. In addition, AT X-ray systems are built to be upgradeable and programmable. As threats emerge and detection algorithms improve, enhancements to the equipment at airports will generally require only a software upgrade.

GE Security to Deliver Industry-First Explosives Detection ''System-of-Systems'' for Checked Baggage

GE Security will provide two integrated advanced technology CTX 9000 DSi/XRD 3500 system-of-systems explosives detection solutions to the Moscow International Airport Domodedov . The systems are planned for commercial operation at the beginning of next year and are believed to be the first of their kind anywhere. Integration of computed tomography (CT) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) into one checked bag screening system-of-systems can dramatically reduce false alarm rates, enhancing security and driving down operational costs. "GE Security is pleased Moscow International Airport Domodedovo has chosen to become our launch customer for the innovative CTX 9000/XRD 3500 system-of-systems," said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, GE Security's Homeland Protection business. "Domodedovo leads a growing trend in Russia, and around the world, to using GE Security advanced technologies to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of security while maintaining passenger satisfaction."

GE Security and Schiphol Nederland B.V. Collaborate on Airport Security

GE Security and Schiphol Nederland B.V. are developing innovative technology solutions to improve operational security processes at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

They have identified multiple advanced technology-based projects related to checkpoint flow enhancements and increased security effectiveness. The ultimate goals of the projects will be to further enhance efficiency and throughput at the security checkpoint while improving effectiveness of the screening. Initial technology innovation is focusing on further enhanced interoperability between existing and new security sensors along with optimization of new advanced technologies for use at the checkpoint. Development of the first operational test units has begun at GE Security's facility in San Diego in preparation for operational test and evaluation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

GE Security's aviation security technologies include the SRT Kiosk, incorporating advanced Quadrupole Resonance-powered shoe-scanning capability.

Flash-Bang Devices Improved

Sandia National Laboratories recently licensed its "flash-bang" fuel air diversionary device technology to Defense Technology, Casper, Wyoming. Diversionary devices -- also called stun grenades are a less-than-lethal device used in a wide variety of law enforcement and military operations. When thrown, the flash-bang creates a loud sound and bright flash of light to temporarily distract or disorient an adversary. Sandia, created the original Mk 141 flash-bang device. It was state of the art for its day. There are a number of disadvantages associated with currently available diversionary devices. Serious injuries have resulted from their improper use both operationally and in training. The new fuel air technology was developed to address the issues associated with the severe over pressure that is produced in the near field of older-style diversionary devices. With the new diversionary device, the flash-bang produces a dust explosion on a very small scale while still providing an intensely bright light and an 'explosive' noise. The body of the diversionary device itself does not explode, making the operation safer.