Explosives detectionNew liquid explosives screening technology deployed
The deployment of two new liquid explosive detection devices — HI-SCAN 6040aX by Smiths Detection and the Bottle Scanner from Kromek — will likely be the first step toward lifting restrictions that prohibit passengers from carrying more than 3.4 ounces of liquid or gel aboard an aircraft
The European Union has approved two new liquid explosives screening systems by Kromek and Smiths Detection. Deploying the screening equipment from these companies will likely be the first step toward lifting restrictions that prohibit passengers from carrying more than 3.4 ounces of liquid or gel aboard an aircraft unless it was purchased in secure areas of airports.
The HI-SCAN 6040aX by Smiths Detection is a dual-view X-ray system that captures multiple views of carry-on baggage in a single pass. The Kromek Bottle Scanner uses a multi-spectral analysis of X-rays to identify dangerous liquids in less than twenty seconds.
Air travelers in sixty-seven countries including in the European Union have been banned from carrying more than 3.4 oz. of liquids or gels aboard flights that are not purchased in transit. The restrictions were established after a terrorist plot to blow up transatlantic flights using liquid explosives was foiled in 2006.
Responding to widespread complaints, the European Union announced a goal to phase out restrictions in April 2013, contingent on manufacturers developing liquid explosives detection technology to efficiently conduct screenings.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, which officially maintains a similar 3.4 oz ban in carry-on baggage , announced a $44 million order for the Smiths Detection screening systems in September as part of an larger contract that may be worth as much as $325 million over five years.
