Analogic [ALOG] says its advanced explosives detection system for screening carry-on bags at airport checkpoints has completed environmental and safety testing and has been accepted to begin data collection testing at a key Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility.

The data collection testing at the Transportation Security Laboratory is part of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) certification process for explosive detection technologies the agency assesses for potential inclusion on a qualified products list (QPL). The agency uses QPLs to purchase screening technologies.

Analogic introduced its ConneCT Checkpoint CT system earlier this year. The CT stands for computed tomography and is the key technology used in explosives detection systems that TSA uses to automatically screen checked bags for explosives at airports.

CT technology offers higher resolution and is expected to help TSA officers at passenger checkpoints more quickly scan carry-on bags, allowing travelers to move through the screening process more quickly while enhancing security.

L3 Technologies [LLL] and Integrated Defense & Security Solutions (IDSS) have already had their respective CT-based systems for the checkpoint certified by TSA. TSA certified IDSS’ DETECT 1000 system at speeds of 10 centimeters and 15 centimeters per second, the high speed matching the capabilities of tray management system that TSA and airlines are pilot testing at Innovation Lanes at select airports to improve passenger convenience and throughput at checkpoints.

IDSS expects its DETECT 1000 system will begin operational validation with the TSA this month in the agency’s Transportation Security Integration Facility and in parallel to go through operational testing in at least two Innovation Lanes at airports early this year as well.

Analogic isn’t attempting to certify its ConneCT system at the higher speed yet but will be trying to optimize throughput at 15 centimeters per second, Mark Laustra, vice president for Global Business Development and Government Relations at the company, tells HSR via email. He says the company is “shooting” to be part of the airport testing of its system in the first quarter of 2017 but that will depend on being certified at the higher speed, which is called the AT2 requirement, and on the “availability of government resources.”

TSA currently used Advanced Technology X-Ray systems supplied by Britain’s Smiths Detection and OSI Systems [OSIS] Rapiscan Systems division to screen carry-on bags at airport checkpoints. The agency isn’t expected to purchase any more of these systems as it awaits the outcome of forthcoming operational evaluations of CT-based systems.