These new computed tomography X-ray scanners at BDL allow travelers to keep electronics and travel-size liquids inside their carry-on luggage. (TSA Photo)
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Bradley International Airport (BDL) has installed new state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography checkpoint scanners (CT).
The checkpoints now have eight Analogic Mid-size CT X-ray units that will provide critical explosives detection capabilities in each checkpoint lane.
“TSA remains committed to installing technology that enhances security and improves the screening experience.,” said William Csontos, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Connecticut. “This CT technology substantially improves our threat detection capability at the checkpoint.”
The new scanners provide TSA officers 3-D imaging that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees on three axes for a thorough visual image analysis. The newly-installed CT units shoot hundreds of images with an X-ray camera spinning around the conveyor belt providing TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag.
When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and food. The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but to ask a TSA officer for assistance. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.
During the 2022 Spring Break travel, TSA officers at BDL screened more than 11,000 people on its busiest days. TSA expects to see similar to slightly higher passenger numbers this season.
TSA continues to deploy computed tomography (CT) systems to airport security checkpoints nationwide to address rapidly evolving threats. As of March 6, 2023, 287 of the scheduled 313 Analogic Mid-size systems have been deployed. Installation of all 313 Mid-size systems is scheduled to be complete in November, 2023.
TSA has now installed 23 Mid-Size Systems throughout New England: Bradley International (8), Rhode Island T.F. Green (6), Manchester-Boston Regional (5), Burlington International (4).
There are six more Mid-Size systems scheduled for installation at New England airports in 2023.
|
MONTH |
AIRPORT |
UNITS |
|
April |
Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) |
2 |
|
May |
T.F. Green (PVD) Lebanon Municipal (LEB) |
1 1 |
|
July |
Bradley International (BDL) |
2 |