Access Control
& Security Systems

The National Safe Skies Alliance will install five new machines at a security checkpoint at the Orlando International Airport next month in a test to see if the technologies can be implemented at other U.S. airports.

Technologies to be installed include a device capable of scanning passengers' bodies, clothing and carry-on baggage. Other machines test for explosives residue, hazardous materials and metal items. An X-ray scanner that can see through clothes and an X-ray baggage scanner with a three-dimensional display will also be installed.

Orlando International Airport security director Brigitte Craig told The Associated Press that the airport was chosen for the pilot program because of the large numbers of both domestic and international passengers it handles.

The explosives detector for carry-on baggage utilizes low-level radio waves to analyze for explosive compounds. The hazardous materials detector is a walk-through device that uses a vacuum to analyze air particles for traces of explosives and hazardous materials. The body scanner subjects passengers to low-level X-rays that can penetrate clothing.

Many of the new devices have never before been tested in an airport security environment.

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