Advanced X-Ray Checkpoint Deployed At Albuquerque Airport
Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, recently announced the first deployment of its Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray systems in the United States.
Working closely with the TSA, Smiths Detection has installed eight of its Advanced Threat Identification X-rays (aTiX) machines at Albuquerque’s international airport. The system was initially field-tested by the TSA alongside several competing systems in the Airport, which is known locally as the Sunport.
“aTiX is a giant step forward in checkpoint screening, increasing the ability to detect potential threats,” said Stephen Phipson, group managing director of Smiths Detection. “With its multiple views generating clear images, it provides a revolutionary advance in threat detection and is already widely used in the U.K. It represents a strategic growth opportunity for Smiths Detection both in the U.S. and the rest of the world.”
Unlike current X-ray systems, aTiX captures multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep in the normal throughput time. Additionally, the system includes powerful software algorithms which help the operator detect potentially harmful items. This software can be easily upgraded to meet any future threat needs.
“We are pleased to have our aTiX systems deployed in Albuquerque’s International Sunport,” said Mark Laustra, vice president of homeland security for Smiths Detection. “It was specifically designed with the familiar ‘look and feel’ of current X-ray screening systems to ensure minimal training was required for airport security officers.”