TSA Awards GE Security Contract for Explosives Detection Systems
GESecurity, Inc.recently announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded a contract for 80 CTX 9000 DSi advanced technology explosives detection systems for screening of air passengers' checked bags at the nation's airports to its GE Homeland Protection business.
The order is the largest TSA order for EDS systems of any kind in the last three years. When deployed, these systems will bring the number of GE CTX 9000 DSi units helping protect commercial aviation passengers at airports across the United States to nearly 430. All told, approximately 625 GE Security CTX 9000 EDS systems have been ordered by airports around the world to screen checked bags for threats.
"GE Security is pleased the TSA has again selected the CTX 9000 DSi for deployments to airports around the country," said Dennis Cooke, president, GE Security's Homeland Protection business. "The three-hundred-plus CTX 9000s already in use by the TSA have proven extremely successful for the nation's airports where they are integrated into baggage handling systems and we're confident that this next round of deployments will be equally well-received."
The CTX 9000 DSi system is recognized for its high performance and operational throughput rate. It is TSA-certified and is designed to integrate with the baggage handling systems (BHS) used in fast-paced airport environments. The CTX 9000 DSi is the highest operational throughput explosives detection system (EDS) designed for BHS integration. Its meter-wide conveyor belt and large tunnel opening welcome large as well as standard-size bags. As a result of its integration with the BHS, bags can proceed smoothly from check-in to sorting, speeding overall system throughput, which helps customers reduce the cost per bag and improve flow, which can expedite the screening process.
The CTX 9000 DSi system detects potential threats immediately, applying sophisticated computer algorithms to the data collected during the scanning process. As the bag exits the machine, the system renders an automatic decision. When an operator decision is required, sharp CT and standard projection (SP) images accommodate quick and accurate threat resolution. Navigation tools promote fast screening while alarm resolution tools offer different viewing options. As with all CTX systems, the user interface clearly identifies threats through color-coding and symbols.
The popular GE Security CTX 9000 DSi is the first of a multi-generational plan of CTX systems that will assure customers of the ability to upgrade as advances are made in future CTX generations, thus protecting the value of today's EDS infrastructure investments. GE expects that future upgrades will provide customers with the opportunity to continually improve false alarm rates, operational throughput, operational costs and uptime performance while extending the lives of their GE systems.