The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (Arlington, VA, USA) announced this week that it is to purchase 300 millimeter-wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines from L-3 Communications (New York, NY, USA) for deployment at US airports. The machines will include new automated target recognition software designed to enhance passenger privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images at airport security checkpoints.
In July 2011, the TSA began installing the new software onmillimeter-wave imaging machines currently in airports to enhance existing privacy protections. The additional millimeter-wave units will be deployed with the new software installed.
AIT is designed to enhance security by screening passengers for weapons, explosives, and other objects concealed under layers of clothing.
Currently, there are nearly 500 AIT units at 78 airports in the US. The purchase of 300 more millimeter-wave units at a cost of $44.8 million is part of an existing contract between the TSA and L-3 Communications and includes the option to purchase an additional 200 units to further supportsecurity measures.
President Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget included the purchase of 500 units, and the President’s fiscal 2012 budget requests funding for an additional 275 more.
-- Posted byVision Systems Design
