Smiths Detection to deliver IONSCAN 500DT systems to TSA

Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide explosive trace detection (ETD) systems.

Under the $24.8m contract, Smiths Detection will deliver IONSCAN 500DT ETD systems for installation at airports across the US.

Smiths Detection president Mal Maginnis said, "We supply the most advanced threat detection technologies in the market, helping security professionals protect against a wide range of threats."

Capable of detecting broad range of substances while maintaining the high sensitivity and specificity, the IONSCAN 500DT desktop system has been designed to quickly detect and identify explosives and narcotics during a single analysis.

"The IONSCAN 500DT provides another layer in multi-layered security strategies to protect passengers, airports and aircraft," Maginnis added.

In addition to dual ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology, the system features full PC functionality, increased memory and networking capabilities.

Suitable for any security application, the dual detector system can also be used by customs, coast guard and border crossing agencies to detect both narcotics and explosives from a single sample.

The company provides security solutions that assist detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, radiological and nuclear threats, narcotics, weapons and contraband in civil and military markets.

Deliveries of the systems under the contract to the TSA are scheduled to commence in November 2012.