South Bend International Airport is upgrading its passenger checkpoint security technology.
Officials said the airport is installing two state-of-the-art advanced technology Computed Tomography scanners at its Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, which provide 3-D imaging. The system can better detect explosives by creating a 3-D image, which can be viewed and rotated on three axes for thorough visual image analysis by a TSA officer.
If a bag requires additional screening, TSA officers can inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside, officials said.
“Along with providing critical explosives detection capabilities, this new technology improves the ability for our TSA officers to determine whether an item inside a carry-on bag is a possible threat,” said Aaron Batt, Indiana TSA federal security director.
The new technology provides TSA officers with improved views of a bag’s contents, allowing them to clear items without having to open a carry-on bag.
“This state-of-the art technology helps reduce touchpoints during this pandemic at the checkpoint, and it also reduces the need for pulling aside a bag to be opened,” Batt said.
The equipment is similar to devices used to scan checked baggage for explosive devices, officials said. Checkpoint CT technology should result in fewer bag checks.
Additional information about the technology is available on the Transportation Security Administration website.
