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Security industry touts advances in airport screening devices
September 18, 1996
Web posted at: 3:00 p.m. EDT
ATLANTA (CNN) -- As the Federal Aviation Administration examines newer and more cost-effective airport security devices, the security industry says it's ready for the challenge.
Security professionals recently gathered at a conference in Atlanta to show off their latest security advances. Though airports will never be completely free from the threat of terrorist strikes, most everyone agreed that emerging technologies can enhance airport safety.
One of the main challenges is keeping the cost of security improvements down so ticket prices don't skyrocket.
"Security has to be cost-effective. That's one issue," said Iain Jack of British Airways. "The other issue is, 'Who pays?'"
The media and the FAA have recently touted the CTX-5000 SP, which uses CAT-scan technology to spot plastic explosives and other types of explosives, as the best way to bolster security.
But many within the industry said the CTX, with its $1 million price tag, is too expensive and too slow. According to the experts, an average plane carries between 600 to 2,000 bags, and the CTX can handle only about 200 bags per hour.
Nonetheless, Atlanta and San Francisco are testing the CTX. In addition, the Israeli airline El Al announced it is buying the device for New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Michael Ellenbogen of Vivid Technologies said his company has developed a machine that can check 1,500 bags per hour -- about eight times faster than the CTX -- at nearly a third of the cost. If someone is carting an explosive, the potential hazard is highlighted in red by Vivid's machine on a computer screen. Security personnel can then swoop in.
Another security device is made by American Science & Engineering Inc., a leader in the development of X-ray systems that help detect drugs, explosives and contraband.
Its latest technology pinpoints items like guns hidden on a person's body and it picks up explosives in luggage. An operator can even print out the results to use as evidence.
Meanwhile, airports and the security industry recently received a boost from Capitol Hill. A new anti-terrorism bill calls for $160 million to go toward technology to improve airport security.
Though the new technology will help, Robert Kierce of Renful Security said, "You're never going to fully protect the passengers in a total, 100 percent way."
From Correspondent Lori Waffenschmidt
Related stories:
- Reno defends billion-dollar anti-terrorism plan - September 12, 1996
- Consumers brace for high-flying fares - August 20, 1996
- Airports examine ways to boost security, safety - August 7, 1996
- White House, lawmakers agree on anti-terrorism proposals - August 1, 1996
- Terrorism: A new American way? - July 29, 1996
- Should FBI, military patrol U.S. airports? - July 31, 1996
Related sites:
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- Vivid Technologies
- EL AL Homepage
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Chemical & Engineering NewsGovernment, Industry Efforts Yield Array Of Tools To Combat Terrorism
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