Smiths sells aTiX systems

Smiths Detection has been awarded follow-on contracts worth $25.2m by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for additional Advanced Threat Identification X-Ray (aTiX) systems.

The contract awards follow an initial TSA order of $21m in October 2007 following successful trials at airports across the United States. The TSA is deploying aTiX systems across the country and has already completed checkpoint installations at Albuquerque and Denver International airports.

‘This is a significant win for an advanced X-ray system that will greatly improve the TSA's ability to detect potential threats,’ said Stephen Phipson, group managing director of Smiths Detection. ‘With its multiple views generating clear images, the system provides the platform for future checkpoint screening and a strategic growth opportunity for Smiths Detection.’

Unlike conventional X-ray systems, aTiX captures multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep in the same throughput time as existing systems. It also includes powerful software algorithms that help the operator detect potentially harmful items. The software can be upgraded in response to new threats.