Thu, Oct 14, 2004
Five More Explosive Detection Machines On The Way
The Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) today announces it is purchasing five
Explosives Detection Trace Portal machines from Smiths Detection of
Pine Brook (NJ), for delivery and deployment in early 2005. The
equipment has been effective in screening passengers for explosives
at various airport security checkpoints and TSA is eager to expand
to additional sites. The TSA says it will announce the selected
airports in the next few weeks.
“With the recently announced new security procedures at
the checkpoints and the piloting of new explosives detection
equipment, TSA seeks to enhance its ability to prevent explosives
from getting on-board an aircraft,” said Rear Adm. David M.
Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for
TSA.
The trace portal is able to detect if a person is carrying or
has been in contact with explosive material. Passengers place their
carry-on baggage on the conveyer belt to be screened by x-rayed as
normal, proceed through the walk-through metal detector, and then
may be asked to step into the trace portal. Once inside, passengers
will stand still for a few seconds while several quick
“puffs” of air are released. The portal will analyze
the air for traces of explosives and a computerized voice will tell
passengers when to exit. Once cleared, passengers collect their
carry-on baggage from the X-ray exit belt.
Under the one-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
contract, TSA will purchase five machines from Smiths Detection
Infrastructure for $731,500. This is the first delivery order for
the company.
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