TSA contracts for aTiX screening system

PINE BROOK, N.J., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has contracted Smiths Detection for the company's X-ray screening technologies.

New Jersey-based Smiths Detection was awarded a $26.7 million follow-on contract to supply the TSA with its Advanced Threat Identification X-ray screening system.

Company officials say the aTiX system is capable of detecting explosives and weapons, among other potential threats, in passenger airline carry-on bags. The X-ray technology offers security authorities at airport screening checkpoints multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep.

The TSA order, which follows a $25.2 million order in June, is for deployment of the aTiX systems at airports across the United States.

"This is another significant win for aTiX, which is now helping enhance security in airports across both the United States and the European Union," Stephen Phipson, Smiths Detection group managing director, said in a statement.