OAKLAND, Calif.– The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today highlighted a computed tomography (CT) scanner that is currently in the security checkpoint at Oakland International Airport’s (OAK) Terminal 2.
The state-of-the-art scanner applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives and other threats to commercial aviation by creating a 3-D image, which can be rotated on three axes for a thorough visual image analysis by a TSA X-ray operator. If a bag requires further screening, TSA officers will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside. OAK is one of only 15 airports nationwide and the only airport in the Bay Area where TSA is testing this type of technology in the security checkpoint.
CT units are the latest checkpoint X-ray scanning technology designed to enhance threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage as TSA continues to raise the baseline for aviation security. The technology is similar to CT technology used in the medical field.
TSA currently uses CT technology to screen checked baggage, but is just beginning to use it in the security checkpoint. The scanning technology is able to detect shapes and densities of items including bulk and liquid explosives that could be a threat to commercial aviation.
TSA’s current screening technology for carry-on bags uses 2-D images. TSA plans to have up to 40 units in place at airports around the nation by the end of the year, along with an additional 16 units at federal testing facilities. TSA expects to have more than 145 units installed at airports by the end of fiscal year 2019.
In addition to OAK, TSA is testing this equipment at Baltimore Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI); Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD); Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG); William P. Hobby Airport (HOU); Indianapolis International Airport (IND); John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); Boston Logan International Airport (BOS); Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS); Philadelphia International Airport (PHL); Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); San Diego International Airport (SAN); St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL); and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD).
TSA is testing several manufacturers of CT checkpoint technology. The unit at OAK is manufactured by Analogic. Video and photos of the unit provided by the manufacturer are available at here.
For the most up-to-date information about CT and to view a video of the 3-D X-ray image, visit TSA’s “Emerging Technologies” webpage. All photos and video are approved for use.