TSA Announces Pilot of Multi-View and High-Definition X-Ray Machines at Security Checkpoints

Press Release

July 9, 2007

Contact: TSA Public Affairs
(571) 227-2829

Advanced Technology Slideshow

Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray systems provide clearer, more defined images of baggage than current x-rays in use by TSA. TSA has awarded contracts to L3, Smiths Detection and Rapiscan to lease seven AT x-rays from each company to test in airports. Each contract includes an option to purchase up to 500 units pending the results of testing.

WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today unveiled plans to begin testing advance technology (AT) X-ray machines, including multi-view and high definition X-rays, at security checkpoints in the coming weeks. These new tools will provide greatly enhanced explosive detection capabilities for carry-on baggage.

The announcement is being made in conjunction with contract awards to L3 Communications, Smiths Detection and Rapiscan Systems. The contracts call for each vendor to lease seven of their AT X-ray machines to TSA for testing in airports. The total cost of the initial contracts is $1.4 million with options to purchase additional units in the future.

Advantages of AT X-ray include: a greatly enhanced display which is much clearer and more detailed than current generation X-ray; the ability to upgrade the system as enhanced algorithms and programs emerge; a stable, low maintenance platform and a smaller profile than currently available explosive detection systems.

"The additional capability of AT scanners gives immediate benefit to our security officers in making security evaluations of carry-on bags," said Kip Hawley, TSA Administrator. "It will help both effectiveness and efficiency."

While this type of technology is used worldwide for checked baggage, this initiative marks the first time multi-view and high definition X-ray systems will be deployed to security checkpoints specifically to screen carry-on bags.

"These new X-ray technologies are built on systems not unlike computers millions of people use every day. They are totally upgradeable and programmable," said Mike Golden, TSA chief technology officer. "Comparing AT X-ray to current technology is like comparing a VHS tape to a DVD. Both play movies, but one is much clearer than the other."

Once a test and evaluation schedule is finalized, the units will be appraised over several weeks in airports until one or more vendors are chosen for a wider deployment.

For more information on TSA, please visit www.tsa.gov.