The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced its latest investment of up to 1.3 billion USD in computed tomography (CT) scanners for US airports.
This announcement consists of three orders for up to 426 base, 359 mid-size and 429 full-size CT units for deployment across TSA checkpoints from summer 2023.
The base units will be supplied by Analogic Corporation, while IDSS Holdings will provide mid-size units, and Smiths Detection Incorporated will provide full-size CT X-ray systems.
CT scanners apply algorithms to create 3D rotatable images that help operators detect explosives and prohibited items in passenger baggage.
This technology enables passengers to keep items such as electronics and liquids up to 2 litres within their hand luggage through security, resulting in a smoother and more convenient process.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske said:These CT units represent sophisticated technology that helps our professional, dedicated and highly skilled workforce detect new and evolving threats to improve aviation security. Deploying these units across our security checkpoints as expeditiously as possible will also improve checkpoint efficiency and the passenger experience.
This investment follows TSA’s previous orders for the procurement of CT scanners, which are gradually being installed across the US.
In 2019, it announced its initial purchase of 300 CT checkpoint systems through the AT/CT programme.
In August 2021, it then invested 198 million USD in mid-size CT x-ray systems, while in March 2022, it announced two awards valued at up to 781.2 million USD for base and full-size CT x-ray systems.
Currently, there are approximately 634 CT units installed across US airports.
