The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US has announced what it said is an "award of three orders for a combined total value of up to $1.3bn for computed tomography (CT) scanners"
The outlay is to include up to 426 base, 359 mid-size, and 429 full-size units, "if all options are exercised".
“These CT units represent sophisticated technology that helps our professional, dedicated and highly skilled workforce detect new and evolving threats to improve aviation security,” said TSA administrator David Pekoske. “
The scanners are for deployment across TSA checkpoints, with Analogic Corporation to provide base-size units. IDSS Holdings the mid-size and the UK's Smiths Detection Incorporated to provide provide full-size CT X-ray systems.
The scanners mean passengers should not have to remove laptops and tablets for separate screening and would no longer be subject to a 100 ml limit for liquids.
Deploying these units across our security checkpoints as expeditiously as possible will also improve checkpoint efficiency and the passenger experience," Pekoske added.