Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a leading global supplier of security inspection systems, today 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. The RTT®, designed to inspect checked baggage at airports (“hold baggage screening”, or “HBS”), 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. With this certification, RTT establishes Rapiscan as a leader in the baggage screening market.
The RTT® represents a generational leap over historical CT designs that are currently deployed in HBS applications. In place of the historical approach of a mechanically-rotated gantry, the RTT® employs a proprietary and unprecedented solid-state approach, producing ultra-high speed imaging and lower maintenance requirements. The RTT’s unique design allows the RTT to inspect hold baggage at up to 1,800 bags per hour, which matches the speed of airport baggage handling systems, allowing RTT to be installed “in-line” in airports’ existing baggage handling systems without the need to slow down the baggage handling systems, or to operate multiple parallel inspection systems.
“By passing ECAC Standard 3, RTT is positioned to change the aviation security screening industry and sets a new bar for HBSproducts worldwide,” said Ajay Mehra, president, Rapiscan Systems. “All industries and businesses that process baggage, not just airports, now have access to superior threat detection technology that dramatically improves operational efficiency, offers a clear and concise return on investment and does not sacrifice any measure of security…and only Rapiscan can provide this complete solution.” Mr. Mehra continued: “Rapiscan has invested significant research and development resources to develop this product. 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.”
The ECAC Common Evaluation Process (CEP) for Security Equipment applies to HBS, Liquid Explosive Detection System (LEDS), and Security Scanners. Laboratory tests are conducted at various Participating Test Centers located in ECAC Member States with the objective of determining whether the tested equipment meets the required ECAC performance standards. The CEP Management Group, which consists of national authorities contributing to the Process, analyzes the test reports provided by the Participating Test Centers; where the equipment is evaluated as meeting an ECAC performance standard, the test reports are communicated to the ECAC Member State signatories to the CEP Administrative Arrangements. Forty-three ECAC Member States are signatories to these Arrangements. ECAC test results are used by many countries outside Europe as the basis for approving HBS solutions for their airports.
