Smiths Detection Wins Bremen Airport Contract

Smiths Detection has won a contract with Bremen Airport in Germany for a new type of X-ray inspection system that scans checked-in baggage for explosives.

The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT, which has been trialling at Bremen Airport for over a year, is the first system of its kind that combines already widely used X-ray technology with high-resolution 3D computer tomography.

The system has been evaluated by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in accordance with Standard 3 and is Lab certified by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), fulfilling all current regulatory requirements for the security inspection of checked-in baggage.

Operated at a high belt speed, the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT can scan up to 1,800 items per hour. The high throughput speeds up inspection and improves economic efficiency as fewer systems and less peripheral equipment have to be integrated into the baggage handling system.

Its cost-effectiveness is helped by the large tunnel opening which permits inspection of oversized objects. As a result, manual processing of bulky baggage or the use of additional inspection equipment is minimised.

HI-SCAN 10080 XCT, which can replace existing X-ray inspection systems, has been specifically developed to be integrated into existing baggage handling systems. This offers airports the opportunity for a seamless transition into a new generation of X-ray systems for checked-in baggage.

The interaction of two different technologies substantially simplifies the scanning and evaluation of X-ray images, which in turn contributes towards faster and more reliable detection of potentially hazardous material in baggage.

Barrie Foley, Vice President EMEA Region of Smiths Detection, said, “The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is the most modern, most rapid and most efficient product in this market, and offers our customers a major new solution in planning and meeting future security needs. Combining two different technologies results in a much improved product and ensures that Smiths Detection maintains its leadership in high quality security solutions.”