OSI Systems [OSIS] says it has received a $5 million contract from an undisclosed international aviation customer for a new automated multi-view X-Ray system that will be used to screen carry-on bags at passenger checkpoints.
The MVXi system, which is a new addition to OSI’s multi-view family of X-Ray systems and hadn’t been previously disclosed, will be delivered to the customer sometime this year, Andrew Goldsmith, head of global marketing for the Company’s security division, Rapiscan Systems, tells TR2. Goldsmith declined to say how many MVXi systems are being supplied to the customer.
OSI says its new X-Ray system will lead to greater efficiencies at the checkpoint.
“The system, designed specifically towards improving security and passenger throughput at the aviation checkpoint, should ultimately lead to shorter queues, fewer delays and less hassle during the passenger screening process,” says Ajay Mehra, president of Rapiscan. “Initial customer response has been extremely positive and we are currently involved in active discussions with numerous international aviation customers regarding these new X-Ray systems.”
OSI wouldn’t discuss the specific capabilities of the MVXi beyond saying the software has enhanced threat detection, material identification and networking integration capabilities. The company did say that the new X-Ray system uses a lot of the code functionality from its checked baggage software platform.
And like its Advanced Technology 620DV X-Ray machine that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has contracted to purchase for checkpoint screening, OSI’s software on the MVXi is upgradeable.
“I think it’s fair to say that one of the advantages of our products in general…is that a lot of the intelligence resides in the software, which is a lot easier to upgrade over time and improve,” Goldsmith says. “We certainly will be continuously improving it over time.”
Goldsmith did say that the MVXi offers the operator more than two views of a parcel. The 620DV is a dual-view system.
“The whole point is to give views of multiple angles of the bag,” he says.
In addition to offering multiple views and enhanced software features, Goldsmith says the MVXi is “fuel efficient,” a feature that resonates with international customers. The MVXi “requires less electrical power for the same level of performance, we believe, compared to the Smiths Detection aTiX” and “can do as much” he says. Smiths Advanced Technology HI-SCAN 6040aTiX was also recently selected by TSA for checkpoint screening of carry-on bags.
The MVXi is also lighter-weight than the aTiX, Goldsmith says.
The MVXi was developed with company funds. OSI’s initial market focus is on international customers although the company is keeping in mind the U.S. market, Goldsmith says.
Why not just market the 620DV internationally? Goldsmith says that there are “nuances in terms of the requirements and relative priorities for the U.S. market versus the European.” He points to the “green” features and lighter weight of the MVXi, as examples of those differences in customer demands.
Goldsmith joined Rapiscan last fall and says he’s still in the process of better understanding his customer’s priorities.
“Clearly one area that I’m going to be focused on is making sure that we’re communicating and branding ourselves effectively,” he says. He’ll be taking advantage of the company’s new multi-view technologies for both checkpoint and checked baggage screening.
“So we’re trying to move toward that kind of nomenclature,” Goldsmith says.
In addition to the MVXi and 620DV systems, which are for checkpoint screening, Rapiscan developed the MVXR-5000 automated explosives detection X-Ray system for high-throughput screening of checked bags (TR2, Dec. 14, 2005).