Israel approves U.S. body scanner

• Tweet

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A U.S.-designed body scanner has been installed at an Israeli airport following its approval for use by government officials.

Tek84 Engineering Group LLC said its AIT84 model scanner is in operational testing at Ben-Gurion Airport.

"We have spent two years developing this next-generation product," said Steven W. Smith, president of Tek84. "Israel is widely regarded for its no-nonsense approach to security. This exclusive certification demonstrates the breakthrough we have achieved in fighting terrorism."

Tek84 said Israeli authorities tested the scanner for several months in Israel using actual threats to determine its capabilities.

The AIT84 scanner is 5-feet wide, about one-half the width of existing products, important for its use at crowded checkpoints and smaller facilities.

Although the Israeli market for body scanners is relatively small, approval for use at Israeli airports will have an impact on marketing of the product -- Israel hasn't used body scanners in its airports in the past, Tek84 said.

Two U.S. government agencies are expected to begin testing the AIT84 this year.