The Checkpoint Updates http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint Blog Entries From Rapiscan Systems english Copyright 2012 2012-05-14T18:42:59+00:00 AAAE Annual Meeting Reinforces the Need for High Speed Checked Baggage Screening http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/aaae_annual_meeting_reinforces_the_need_for_high_speed_checked_baggage_scre http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/aaae_annual_meeting_reinforces_the_need_for_high_speed_checked_baggage_scre Rapiscan Systems was happy to sponsor and exhibit at the recently held American Association of Airport Executives Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ. During our time on the exhibit floor we had the opportunity to talk with many of the airport/aviation leaders attending the meeting. Exciting things are happening in the world of aviation! Both Salt Lake City and Kansas City are planning new terminals to meet the growing needs of their communities. The demand for air service continues to grow across the nation.  Airport leaders recognize the critical role that they play in building and sustaining the economic well-being of our nation. They have to be ready to meet the needs of today’s traveling public, while planning for future needs. 

One of the many concerns that airport directors have is providing the best security systems to insure the safety of the passengers. Rapiscan has developed the Real Time Tomography - RTT- a high-speed baggage screening system that meets the highest standards for explosive detection, while providing maximum operational efficiency. The RTT has just recently been certified by the European Civil Aviation Conference as meeting Standard 3 detection levels, while being able to screen 1,800 bags per hour. 

The RTT has the ability to operate at variable screening speeds. This allows the equipment to meet today’s needs of an airport, while being prepared to meet future requirements. The RTT provides airports with a system that provides unsurpassed image quality, smaller footprint requirements, quieter operating system and extended lifecycle. The revolutionary stationary gantry design provides for overall lower operating costs.
As airport leaders chart their course of future growth, we are ready to be their partners to insure that the baggage screening systems of their airports provide the best security while meeting the needs of the traveling public today and in the future.

]]> 2012-05-14T18:42:59+00:00 Access Risk Control wins at Counter Terror Specialist Security with Rapiscan Systems http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/access_risk_control_wins_at_counter_terror_specialist_security_with_rapisca http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/access_risk_control_wins_at_counter_terror_specialist_security_with_rapisca Rapiscan Systems is celebrating with operating partner Access Risk Control after the company were named winner of the Innovation Award for its Mobile Checkpoint Unit, which was announced at the recent Counter Terrorism and Specialist Security Awards. The Awards Ceremony was held at the Royal Gardens Hotel in Kensington after the Counter Terror Exhibition on the 25th April.
The Mobile Checkpoint Unit creates a stable quick-to-deploy and risk-reducing access control point with future proof screening and scanning provision.  This includes instant area lighting towers, rooftop audience profiling and crowd entertainment platforms, intelligent CCTV data collection points run via bio metric iris and face recognition technology, Wi-Fi and cell mesh data link, walk-through body scanners, conveyor style bag X-ray equipment and a fully furnished temperature-controlled control room. 

The primary objective of the Mobile Check Point is to reduce the risk of weapons, terrorist devices and known individuals breaching a security cordon. The unit can be set up in minutes of arrival on site and provides a wide range of options for risk and threat reduction. Most importantly, the unit is fully mobile and it is supplied in a high quality hydraulic box trailer.

Rapiscan Systems UK Vice President David Kent, who attended the Awards Ceremony, commented: “Rapiscan Systems is delighted that our commitment in supporting this initiative by ARC has been met by wider security industry recognition.”

]]> 2012-05-10T14:20:08+00:00 Rapiscan Statement on Effectiveness of Body Scanners to Detect Non-Metallic Items http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_statement_on_effectiveness_of_body_scanners_to_detect_non_metallic http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_statement_on_effectiveness_of_body_scanners_to_detect_non_metallic As evidenced by the recently foiled attack on an American-bound airliner, the threats against the global aviation industry and passengers remain very, very real and are evolving to press the boundaries of airport security standards.  The weapons used by terrorist groups have grown to include a wide variety of non-ferrous explosive devices, which nullify standard metal detectors – but not backscatter X-ray technology.


By bouncing extremely low-energy X-rays off a person’s body, backscatter X-ray body scanners generate a uniformly high-quality image with few blind spots and interference, allowing security operators to detect concealed threats with an extremely low false alarm rate.  This technology is not only effective, it is also completely safe, as proven by multiple U.S. Government studies and a recent independent EU scientific committee report.


As our testing has shown, our Secure 1000 machines could have detected the original “underwear bomber” in 2009.  Based on the information that has been released by the CIA and Department of Homeland Security, we are confident that a backscatter scanner, with trained operators, could have detected the Yemeni explosive device.

Backscatter X-ray scanners are proven safe, reliable and effective at detecting a myriad of potential threats, from guns and knives to more sophisticated explosive devices and are a complement to a layered security approach that includes intelligence, technologies like CCTV and effective operator training.  In order to fully protect the global community, a technology is needed to guard against an ever-changing network of terrorist groups – backscatter X-ray is that technology. 


Rapiscan is proud that our solutions are being used by aviation customers worldwide to address their security requirements.

]]> 2012-05-09T17:45:26+00:00 Rapiscan RTT Ultra-High Speed Checked Baggage Scanner Sets New Bar with EU Security Certification http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_rtt_ultra_high_speed_checked_baggage_scanner_sets_new_bar_with_eu http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_rtt_ultra_high_speed_checked_baggage_scanner_sets_new_bar_with_eu Last week, Rapiscan announced that its RTT® (Real Time Tomography) baggage screening solution has become the first ultra-high speed system to pass the European Civil Aviation Conference’s (ECAC) Standard 3 threat detection test.

RTT was designed to inspect checked baggage at airports and is capable of screening baggage at speeds of up to 1,800 bags an hour – which is significantly faster than the CT based hold baggage systems currently installed at airports. Until now, baggage screening systems have been unable to achieve this high rate of throughput while also meeting ECAC Standard 3 threat detection standards, the highest standard set by ECAC for the detection of baggage-borne explosive threats.

Despite the increasing costs associated with air travel, the International Air Transportation Association predicts that by 2014 3.3 billion airline seats will be filled each year, a huge increase from today’s 2.5 billion. More passengers mean more baggage, an issue already plaguing US airports and causing lengthy security delays. RTT’s unique design and industry leading throughput combined with superior threat detection provides airports with a much-needed solution for their ever-increasing passenger flow.

Rapiscan has invested significant research and development resources to develop the RTT. We are pleased to now be able to offer customers this state-of-the art security screening technology that meets one of the world’s most demanding standards for threat detection.

]]> 2012-05-07T18:30:17+00:00 Independent Scientific Report Finds Backscatter X-Ray Safe…Again http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/independent_scientific_report_finds_backscatter_x_ray_safe http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/independent_scientific_report_finds_backscatter_x_ray_safe “Backscatter X-ray is safe for people screening.”

That, briefly, is the primary finding of a new report from the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR), an independent committee of top European scientists.  SCENIHR’s findings support previous studies carried out by the UK Government and the French Government in 2011, as well as several reports conducted by the United States Government, which have all come to the same conclusion:

That the technology used in Rapiscan’s body scanners poses no measurable risk to the public, to operators or to aviation employees.

The SCENIHR reports states that:

• The doses delivered by backscatter X-ray scanners are too low to cause any observable effects on the human body

• Because the dose levels are so very low, attempting any sort of quantitative estimation of risk would be highly uncertain

• There is no scientific basis for making any quantitative risk estimates, such as calculating any perceived increase in cancer cases induced by security scanners

• Cumulative doses from backscatter X-ray scanners are very likely to remain below acceptable radiation thresholds, even for individuals that are frequently screened

As Rapiscan has stated countless times, as have the U.S. Federal Government, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Army, Johns Hopkins University, the U.K. Government and the French Government, backscatter X-ray technology is not only highly-effective at detecting people-borne threats, but it is also completely safe for every individual involved in the security screening process.

Given the report’s unambiguous findings, once again, there is no scientific basis for opposition to the deployment of backscatter-based body scanners.  Given the superiority of backscatter technology in terms of passenger throughput, privacy protection and threat detection, the Secure 1000 is an essential component of a layered and risk-based approach to aviation security, one that objectively analyzes individuals regardless of race, creed or social background.

To read the report, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_036.pdf.

]]> 2012-05-04T20:30:42+00:00 British MPs Continue to Support Rapiscan Systems’ Secure 1000 Family http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/british_mps_continue_to_support_rapiscan_systems_secure_1000_family http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/british_mps_continue_to_support_rapiscan_systems_secure_1000_family During last week’s report (25/4/12) in the House of Commons regarding the Civil Aviation Bill, British MPs continued to back Rapiscan Systems’ backscatter scanners, which are currently being trailed in Manchester Airport.  The scanners, which are currently awaiting approval from the European Union, have been praised for improving security and work efficiency. 
 
Julie Hilling, MP for Bolton West, commented that “95% of passengers prefer the backscatter scanners rather than the old-fashioned pat down because it removes the need to touch”.  She also mentioned that “security staff at the airports had welcomed the x-ray scanners, helping them meet their job requirements with more ease”, helping them be more efficient in the workplace.
Nigel Mills, MP for Amber Valley, commented that he “welcomed the full body scanners that had been installed by Manchester Airport and that this was the kind of security innovation that he wanted to see, but thought it was a shame that there was a threat from the EU that meant the scanners would not be allowed to be used.”

Julie Hilling also agrees with this and also worries that investment and security will be lost if the scanners are taken away.  “The system has worked, but the concern is that is the EU does not approve it, the investment will have been wasted. More worryingly, what incentive will airports have to be innovative in the future?  We must continue to ensure that terrorists do not find any loopholes in our security system.”

Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Broughton, has also expressed concern: “Manchester Airport is very concerned that the very expensive scanners that it has put in place may be outlawed by the new European regulations.”

Rapiscan Systems welcomes any support from British politicians and also hopes that investment will carry on in not only Manchester Airport, but all airports in the UK.

]]> 2012-05-03T13:17:10+00:00 Rapiscan Systems honoured by Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2012 http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_systems_honoured_by_queens_award_for_enterprise_in_innovation_2012 http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_systems_honoured_by_queens_award_for_enterprise_in_innovation_2012 Rapiscan Systems, a leading global supplier of security inspection systems, has announced that it has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2012.  Widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious awards for business performance, the Queens Award for Enterprise in Innovation has been awarded to Rapiscan Systems for the development of its Eagle Radiation Detection solutions, which offer superior threat detection in the most complex of security scanning environments.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the highly prestigious annual awards that recognise the outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development. The Innovation Award recognises businesses in the UK that have demonstrated a substantial and sustained improvement in business performance and commercial success as a result of outstanding innovation in products or services.

Rapiscan Systems Cargo and Vehicle Inspection (CVI) division developed the Eagle Radiation Detection device to identify gamma or gamma neutron radiation emitted from containerised or vehicle-borne cargo. The innovative technology distinguishes between the materials used in nuclear weapons, medical radiation sources and naturally occurring radio-active materials. It senses such radiation and automatically generates alarms when materials of particular intensity or significance are detected.
The new device, which eliminates the dependence on the increasingly scarce element, helium He-3, of previous detectors, integrates gamma-neutron radiation detection during a high energy x-ray inspection scan, providing simultaneous, comprehensive surveillance.  The compactness of the device facilitates covert surveillance and detection of illicit radio-active materials without those carrying such materials knowing that they are being monitored.

Awarded by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister and on the recommendation of an advisory committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce and the trade unions, it was agreed that the innovation of the Eagle Detection device has been a contributing factor to the business success of Rapiscan Systems.

“We are honoured to receive this award as recognition for the outstanding work that is carried out by our CVI team in developing innovative security screening solutions,” said Ajay Mehra, President, Rapiscan Systems, Inc. “As well as receiving recognition for the effort that goes into the research and development of our solutions at Rapiscan Systems in the UK, it also represents our ongoing commitment to promote and lead UK innovation and manufacturing.” 

This is the second time that Rapiscan Systems has received a Queen’s Award, having won the Queens Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2008. The 2008 award was given to recognise outstanding overseas commercial success, sustained over several years, by select UK companies.

]]> 2012-05-02T09:18:41+00:00 Risk Based Security at Airports http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/risk_based_security_at_airports1 http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/risk_based_security_at_airports1 More and more we are hearing about the TSA’s plans to implement Risk Based Security initiatives at airports.  Today, airports are being faced with doing more with less, so the possibility of greatly improving the efficiencies of the security screening process is welcome by airports. The topic of integrating Risk Based Security initiatives with the current screening scenario was a widely discussed topic at the recently held ACI-NA Public Safety & Security Conference.

Currently, TSA is being applauded for its work in pre-screening of passengers.  Its PreCheck program has been well received and is scheduled to be implemented at 28 airports this year.  What airports want to know is how these initiatives will impact customer service and improve operational efficiencies.  The TSA is currently working with airlines to insure that they have the capability to administer PreCheck.  When that capability is determined to be viable the TSA, airport and airline all get together at the particular airport and go through a series of collaborative discussions to determine the steps needed to implement.  Depending upon how airport queues are set up, there may be some physical adjustments needed to set up a PreCheck lane.

How do initiatives like PreCheck impact Rapiscan Systems?  We stay involved with our end-users, the airports, and the TSA so that we will understand how screening technologies needs are changing.  As Risk Based Security progresses, we will need to provide screening technologies that work well with the program and offer the best efficiencies at the checkpoint and in the baggage screening areas.  Our team is currently working on providing screening technologies that have the capabilities and flexibility, with the most cost-effective solutions, to meet the appropriate level of security that Risk Based Security initiatives will identify.  We join our aviation security partners in wanting to provide more secure commercial aviation, while improving the passengers’ experience.

]]> 2012-04-17T17:16:57+00:00 Rapiscan Systems exhibiting at Counter Terror Expo 2012 http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_systems_exhibiting_at_counter_terror_expo_2012 http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/rapiscan_systems_exhibiting_at_counter_terror_expo_2012 Rapiscan Systems, a leading global supplier of security inspection systems, will be exhibiting its latest security screening technology, the Secure 1000 Single Pose scanner, Metor 6M walkthrough metal detector and Rapiscan 620XR for advanced baggage screening at Counter Terror Expo 2012, 25th-26th April, on Stand E70.

The Secure 1000 Single Pose provides comprehensive people screening capabilities in a rugged, portable system. The scanner uses backscatter technology as well as Rapiscan proprietary image processing software and an operator-friendly interface to rapidly and comprehensively screen passengers for a wide range of potential threats including: liquids, contraband, ceramics, explosives, narcotics, concealed currency and weapons. This advanced personnel checkpoint screening solution, will ensure that customers will feel secure whenever they enter an airport or fly with an airline.

Rapiscan Systems is also showcasing two security screeners at the entrance of the venue.  The Metor 6M and the 620XR, which were presented at the exhibition last year, will be making a reappearance and will screen and show visitors how responsive and accurate the Rapiscan scanners are. The Metor 6M is a multi-purpose multi-zone walk-through metal detector used primarily for weapons detection. Featuring automated sensitivity and floor sensitivity functions to make the collaboration process easier, the Metor 6M eliminates the time consuming trial and error method.

The Rapiscan 620XR baggage and parcel inspection device provides an intuitive Graphical User Interface with improved image quality as well as advanced networking capabilities. Providing outstanding threat detection and a low total cost of ownership, the innovative design allows for bi-direction operation, while ergonomic options such as its adjustable control panel stand make it easy to operate.  Like all systems in the 600 series family of X-ray scanning solutions, the Rapiscan 620XR is built on a standardised platform that makes it easy to install and maintain. It comes with features such as dual-energy detection, a streamlined, ergonomic design, and Rapiscan’s feature-rich OS600 system software. Rapiscan Systems’ Target™ function highlights a potential threat on the X-ray image. Target algorithms have been developed to detect a wide range of explosives and have been designed to meet stringent international airport security regulations worldwide.

Rapiscan utilises X-ray and gamma-ray imaging and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. Rapiscan offers custom solutions and pricing at regional levels with local support-centres providing quick responses to information requests, project-management, systems-installation, maintenance, training, and government regulatory support.

]]> 2012-04-11T16:43:18+00:00 Want a Booming Economy?  Look Past the Equator http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/want_a_booming_economy_look_past_the_equator http://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/the-checkpoint/want_a_booming_economy_look_past_the_equator Think fast – what’s the fastest growing economy not named China? 

The answer is Brazil.  South America’s largest economy is growing at a breakneck pace (more than twice that of the U.S. and other mature economies), and for good reason.  It has a young and skilled workforce, outstanding universities, a growing base of innovative manufacturers, and a wealth of natural resources.  The country is set to host a World Cup and the Summer Olympic Games along with all of the festivities and smaller events leading up to both blockbusters, which means that infrastructure projects are in high-demand, fueling side business growth and job creation.

Ten major airport enhancement and construction projects are in full swing, and nearly every Brazilian port is receiving a major overhaul in the coming months.  Combined with the stadium improvements and new facilities required by FIFA and the Olympic Committee, Brazil is a country that no business should be ignoring, especially in the U.S.

Enter the U.S. – Brazil CEO Forum, an organization that aims to facilitate deeper trade and business ties between U.S. companies and their Brazilian counterparts.  Given Brazil’s new leadership on the world economic stage, Rapiscan is particularly proud to be a part of the Forum, which will be hosting President Rousseff on April 9 and 10 during a visit to Washington, D.C.

As a fast growing, knowledge-based U.S technology manufacturer and a provider of security screening solutions, Rapiscan is particularly well suited to work with Brazilian authorities and companies to strengthen trade relationships.  Rapiscan and our parent company, OSI Systems, are heavily invested in helping Brazilian customers and security companies navigate the ever-changing waters of the security screening world and to find solutions that meet the unique and growing needs of the Brazilian market.

It’s Brazil’s time to shine, and we intend to help them stay safe on the stage.

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