Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces it has won a US$21 million contract from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for aTiX – the X-ray machine that can automatically detect explosives and liquids at passenger checkpoints.
The contract follows successful trials run by the TSA at airports in the United States. This initial order will enable the TSA to deploy aTiX (Advanced Threat Identification X-Ray) to airports across the country.
aTiX is a next-generation advancement in security checkpoint X-ray systems. A major difference from currently-used equipment is the ability to take multiple views of carry-on bags in a single pass. This multiview capability is accomplished in the same time it takes with existing checkpoint X-ray. Additionally, aTiX systems include powerful software algorithms which assist the operator with detection of liquid explosives.
Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “We were very pleased with the performance of our new aTiX checkpoint carry-on baggage screening system during the TSAs recent Advanced Technology pilot program. This advancement is a significant innovation in security detection technology for passenger checkpoints and represents a leap forward. This contract win is another important milestone for our company, as well as a significant growth opportunity.”
Mark Laustra, Vice President of Homeland Security for Smiths Detection, said: “The TSA has been one of the first customers to utilize this innovative technology which has received strong interest from governments and customers around the world. The advanced aTiX system has the potential to improve airport security immediately, with minimal training, as the look and feel of this system will be similar to what many airport security screeners are using today.”
Smiths Detection is the world’s leading provider of threat and contraband detection systems. Smiths Detection’s technology is deployed at 85 percent of the world’s airports, which have around 70,000 checkpoints.
The TSA has also awarded a $650,000 contract to Smiths Detection for SABRE 4000 hand-held explosives detection scanners. These hand-held IMS detectors provide mobile explosives trace and vapor detection capabilities.