Australian Airport Trials Smiths Detection CT Checkpoint Scanner
Smiths Detection says that Gold Coast Airport in Australia completed a six-week evaluation of the company’s HI-SCAN 6040 CtiX computed-tomography scanner for scanning carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints. Smiths’ automatic-tray handling system, called iLane.evo, and a checkpoint management software that enables remote screening of scanned images, called Checkpoint Evo Plus, were also featured in the trial. “The new screening process was a real success with passengers,” says Marion Charlton, chief operating officer of the airport. “With the new technology, they didn’t have to remove laptops or liquids and gels from their carry-on luggage. The security outcome was positive, with the CT equipment providing improved threat detection, without the need to impose on passenger privacy to search through personal belongings, while also resulting in a better overall experience for customers.” Smiths has also trialed its CT scanner with Melbourne Airport and received contracts to install the systems at Darwin International and Alice Springs airports in Australia. Smiths in late March won a $97 million contract with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to provide checkpoint CT scanners for U.S. airports.
Smiths Detection’s CTX 9800 EDS Obtains Highest ECAC Screening Standard
Smiths Detection says it has achieved European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Standard 3.1 approval for screening capability for its CTX 9800 DSi 0.5 meters per second explosives detection system (EDS) for automatically screening checked bags for explosives. The 3.1 standard is the highest for checked baggage in the European Union. Smiths says that CTX 9800 DSi systems that are already installed and meeting Standard 3 can be upgraded onsite to the higher standard. The company says “the detection algorithms for the two standards may be selected on a bag-by-bag basis depending on the destination and associated risk level,” providing “additional flexibility and productivity whilst maintaining the highest level of security.” Matt Clark, vice president of Technology at Smiths Detection, says the company is “seeing more customers stipulating a preference for equipment with Standard 3.1 approval in their tenders.” The CTX 9800 DSi can handle up to 1,800 bags per hour. Smith’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT scanner has also achieved 3.1 approval.
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Team on SENSR Radar Program
Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] have teamed to pursue the Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance Radar (SENSR) contract that will consolidate and modernize aging U.S. surveillance and air traffic control radars. The Federal Aviation Administration and Departments of Homeland Security, Defense and Commerce, in 2016 said would stand up the cross-agency SENSR program to assess the feasibility of acquiring new surveillance solution that could result in the consolidation of incumbent legacy surveillance radars. The companies said the multi-mission SENSR systems will require fewer radars than the existing radars and free up wireless spectrum for commercial use. “There’s an increasing demand for radio spectrum that’s driving the rapid expansion of wireless Internet services across America,” says Ralph Acaba, president Integrated Defense Systems. “SENSR will revolutionize our airspace radar infrastructure for reliable, more secure, enhanced situational awareness and communication.”
Army, Coast Guard Team on R&D
The Army Research Laboratory and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on research and development (R&D) projects that will be beneficial to both entities. “Both parties may provide technical services that will include collaboration between the parties through the provision of subject matter expertise, potential access to Coast Guard and Army assets, data, and joint applied research,” the Coast Guard says. The Army Research Lab may provide technical services related, but not limited to, wide area persistent surveillance, real-time electro-optic imager, acoustic sensor detection, modeling and simulation, and counter-unmanned aerial systems. The Coast Guard’s contributions may include research on unmanned systems for Arctic operations, sensor optimization, automation, visualization intelligence and cyber, and waterways management and environmental response modeling and simulation.