BRADENTON, FLA. – GE Security today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a contract for 147 high-tech, "trace" explosives detection portals, the largest contract ever of this kind. When deployed, these portals will bring the number of GE EntryScan units protecting commercial aviation passengers at airports across the United States to 176.Â
The GE EntryScan, popularly known as a "puffer," is already in use by DHS's Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to detect explosives at airports throughout the United States. The contract, awarded by the TSA, also calls for installation, training and maintenance for the 147 machines. GE expects deployments to begin in the first quarter of 2006 and to be completed by mid-year.
"GE Security is pleased the TSA has selected the EntryScan for its next round of explosives detection portal deployments in airports around the country," said Dennis Cooke, president, GE Security's Homeland Protection business. "In its initial deployments, EntryScan has performed well, customers have responded positively, and we're confident that this next round of deployments will be equally well-received by the traveling public."
The GE EntryScan is a non-intrusive walk-through portal that delivers enhanced explosives detection capability and convenience to the nation's air travelers. It can detect traces of explosives, quickly alerting Transportation Security Officers (TSO) to potential explosives threats.
Passengers simply step into the portal where several "puffs" of air are released. EntryScan then analyzes the air for any traces of explosives. Analysis is completed in seconds and the passenger is prompted to exit or is identified to TSOs for further screening.
EntryScan's patented technology allows for the efficient and accurate detection of the most challenging substances in aviation security and other high-risk environments.
In addition to the EntryScans already deployed around the country, the technology is featured in GE's Checkpoint of the Future laboratory at San Francisco International Airport. This working, first-of-its-kind laboratory is being used to identify, develop and make available technology solutions that will help make travel safer, security less costly and passenger checkpoints much more convenient and efficient.
