TSA announces new screening equipment

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced $52.3 million in awards to pilot enhanced screening equipment.

Official announced Reagan National, New York-Kennedy, Los Angeles International and Albuquerque airports will pilot recent advances in technology including advanced technology X-ray, automated explosives detection, bottled liquid scanners, passive millimeter wave and a cast or prosthetics screening device. The $52.3 million is for a TSA initiative to bring the latest technology to airports and other mass transit facilities in the United States, according to a release from the TSA.

“These purchases will significantly enhance our suite of technologies while improving security,” said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley, in a statement. “Better technology leverages the skills of our officers more efficiently and improves our ability to adapt in real time to changes in the threat environment.”

Officials say the advanced technology X-ray is a high-definition, multi-view system that provides clearer images of baggage.

Three-dimensional image generation is possible with new computed tomography technology where officials say images can be viewed and rotated on three axes for evaluation.

Passive millimeter wave technology determines if there is anything concealed on the human body by measuring waves naturally emitted by the human body.

The cast and prosthetics screening devices provides a backscatter X-ray image for TSA officials to assess for potential concealed threats.

Officials say the handheld explosives detection scanners are capable of differentiating liquid explosives from benign liquids and also provide mobile explosive trace and vapor detection capabilities.