Smiths Detection starts delivery of explosives detectors to Canadian airports

Smiths Detection has started delivering advanced explosives trace detection systems, known as IONSCAN 500DT, for deployment at several Canadian airports.

More than 100 advanced explosives trace detection systems will be installed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) at the airports, which is scheduled to be completed later this month.

Complementing Smiths Detection’s advanced X-ray scanners, which are already installed to scan hand luggage at security checkpoints at most Canadian airports, the IONSCAN 500DT analyses a swab sample to check surfaces of items for a wide range of trace explosives and narcotics.

Smiths Detection Sales Canada vice president René Shink said that the company provides technology to continue to support CATSA’s layered security requirements.

"The IONSCAN 500DT, developed and manufactured in Canada, remains one of the most widely deployed trace solutions at airports around the world," Shink added.

Capable of detecting various substances while maintaining high sensitivity, the IONSCAN 500DT can integrate two IMS detectors in a single unit to detect and identify explosives and narcotics during a single analysis.

Equipped with a regenerative Air Purification System (APS) to reduce maintenance and cost of ownership, the detector features an ergonomic design and a large, colour touch-screen display, built-in printer and 40GB internal hard drive.

Additional features of the system include full PC functionality, increased memory and networking capabilities.

To date, more than 24,000 trace systems have been delivered by the company for corrections, court security, aviation security, and force protection.