WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced a plan to test computed tomography scanners (CT), a state-of-the-art 3-D technology at select U.S. airport checkpoints. As the agency continues to raise the baseline for aviation security, the new technology intends to enhance critical explosives and other threat items detection capabilities at airport checkpoints.
The system applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives and creates a 3-D image that can be viewed and rotated on three axes for thorough visual image analysis by a TSA officer.
“TSA is committed in getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Use of CT technology substantially improves TSA’s threat detection capability at the checkpoint,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “By leveraging strong partnerships with industry, we are able to deploy new technology quickly and see an immediate improvement in security effectiveness.”
Checkpoint CT technology should result in fewer bag checks. In the future, passengers may also be able to leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.
TSA plans to have up to 40 units in place at airports around the nation by the end of the year, along with 16 units at federal testing facilities. More than 145 will be in airports by the end of fiscal year 2019.
The initial 15 units are being deployed to the following airports, with other airports receiving units in the coming months:
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
TSA began testing CT in 2017 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Boston’s Logan International Airport. A third unit was deployed earlier this week to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
