IDSS Says First to Achieve TSA’s Level 1 Certification for Checkpoint Scanning
Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) says the Transportation Security Administration has certified the company’s DETECT 1000 computed tomography (CT) checkpoint baggage scanner to Level 1 Advanced Passenger Security Screening (APSS) certification, the first company to achieve this milestone. IDSS says the APSS specification defines multiple levels of performance represented by numerically increasing levels, with each level an increase in threat detection. The company reached the initial Level 0 in January. “The APSS Level 1 performance is a significant indicator of the capabilities of the DETECT 1000 to address advanced threats worldwide,” says Jeffrey Hamel, CEO of IDSS. “The performance is the result of the DETECT’s high resolution, low noise image, which allows the artificial intelligence algorithms to accurately detect the advanced threats.” IDSS is one of four companies—along with
Analogic, Leidos [LDOS] and Smiths Detection—competing for TSA’s checkpoint CT program. Smiths Detection last year received a $97 million contract to provide the 300 checkpoint CT systems of a buy that will total between 2,200 and 2,400 systems.
Smiths Detection Integrates CTX 9800 with Tote-Based Baggage Handling System
Smiths Detection says it has integrated its CTX9800 DSi explosive detection system (EDS) with a new tote-based baggage handling system in Terminal 1 at San Francisco Airport, a project that is the first use of a tote-based baggage handling system in the U.S. In a tote-based baggage handling system, each checked bag is place in an individual-controlled tray or “tote” equipped with an RFID chip to track and monitor each bag throughout the baggage handling process, helping airports to reduce mis-tracked baggage while improving aviation security screening. Tote-based baggage systems also minimize the need for operators to handle goods in the checked baggage reconciliation area and lowers cross-contamination between operators and bags. Smiths Detection says it is the only EDS manufacturer to achieve TSA in-tote baggage certification for use within U.S. airports.
Israel Accepts IDSS Checkpoint CT Scanner for Use
Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) says the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has accepted the company’s DETCT 1000 checkpoint computed tomography (CT) scanner for use by airports, airlines, Israeli government agencies, state ministries, institutions and companies. IDSS is partnered with Hyper-Tech Advanced Systems in Israel to serve the local market. “We see the DETECT solution not only supporting the aviation market, but many of the high security checkpoints located throughout the country,” says Yaron Yezersky, vice president of Hyper-Tech.
Liteye Introduces Counter UAS Simulator
Liteye Systems and its teammates Numerica and Aegis Technologies Group have jointly developed a counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) modeling, simulation, and training system that is tied to Liteye’s Anti-UAS Defense System (AUDS). Liteye says its team identified the need for the C-UAS Simulator to enhance traditional hands-on and classroom training for the AUDS. “It’s difficult and cost prohibitive to find realistic, full-mission test and training locations within the United States every time a new threat hits the street,” says Zac Neumayr, vice president of Field Operations at Liteye. “Our simulator allows a trained operator to remain proficient and develop new techniques and procedures to successfully defend personnel and critical infrastructure around the world. Liteye’s AUDS remains one of the most effective systems employed as part of an integrated ground and air defense solution.”
CBP Brings Simplified Arrival to DFW
Customs and Border Protection has launched Simplified Arrival biometric entry processing for international arrivals at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Under Simplified Arrival, CBP officers use facial comparison technology to automate manual document checks required for admission into the U.S. Travelers pause for a photo at the primary inspection station while CBP’s facial matching service compares the live photo of the traveler to a small gallery of images that the traveler has already provided to the government, such as passport and visa photos. Foreign travelers who have previously traveled to the U.S. no longer need to provide their fingerprints to CBP under Simplified Arrival.