Moving passengers and cargo from landside to airside has become for many an extremely slow and painstaking process, but there is an obvious need for stringent security measures – a requirement highlighted by the recent atrocity at Brussels Airport. The search is well under way for scanning technologies that can speed that throughput, and amongst the systems on offer is Smiths Detection’s Checkpoint CT system. Airside talks to Paul Baker, Smiths Detection’s managing director Middle East operations, about the system
Q. How is the Checkpoint CT system ideally suited to airport security screening?
A. To address the requirements of new and upcoming regulations in both the EU and the US, computed tomography (CT) systems with automatic explosive detection represent a key technology driver to ensure airport security. This technology is supported by the operators of such systems, as it provides an all-new 3D view which can help to easily identify threats.
Smiths Detection has long been committed to identifying and eliminating threats at airports and onboard aircraft, and the state-of-the-art Checkpoint CT is designed to safeguard and streamline the complete screening experience. It will focus on solid and liquid explosive detection, being able to detect the smallest of threats even in a cluttered environment, as well as the screening of liquids and electronics in bags, through expedited screening processes which have the highest belt speed in the industry.
Q. What does it offer that other such systems do not?
A. Featuring CT and advanced explosive detection algorithms, the Checkpoint CT is designed to meet EU/ECAC EDS CB Standard C3/C4 and TSA requirements. It will also benefit passengers who can leave liquids and electronics in their bags, allowing the speed of throughput at a checkpoint lane to be increased.
Q. Have you received any feedback from potential customers on the system? Have you any orders for it from airports or other customers?
A. At this point, the Checkpoint CT is only available for preview. However, initial discussion with major customers worldwide has revealed increased interest in the new airport technology. We at Smiths Detection are confident that the Checkpoint CT will be an asset to our comprehensive range of technologies, ensuring high-level security for the aviation industry.
Q. How will you roll out the system?
A. At the 16th Airport Show in Dubai, Smiths Detection offered a preview of the Checkpoint CT, revealing the outlook of the solution to potential customers. The system will be rolled out after certification in the EU and US.
Q. Do you have other new systems in development that will be applicable for the airport market?
A. Currently, Smiths Detection is focusing on developing the Checkpoint CT and improving existing airport solutions including the Checkpoint.Evo, IONSCAN 600 and Trace Pro.
Q. Are there any step changes in the technology associated with such threats (carried by passenger or vehicle) likely in the near future?
A. As a global provider of advanced security solutions committed to identifying and eliminating airport threats, Smiths Detection is constantly in close contact with authorities to enhance security and safeguard individuals. Keeping this in mind, Smiths Detection is not authorised to disclose details regarding technological improvements applied to threats.
