New Technology is Keeping the Skies Safe
S&T’s Checked Baggage Technology Development Project improves existing systems and infrastructure by developing technologies to detect threats more accurately and quickly, while also being cheaper to maintain. These technologies and tools take a second look at bags that tend to set off alarms, with the goal of reducing any false alerts that may take place. Once implemented in the field, they will significantly decrease the number of bags that TSA needs to manually inspect, increasing efficiency.
Next Generation Explosives Trace Detection
The Next Generation Explosives Trace Detection (NextGen ETD) Project provides Department of Homeland Security (DHS) staff in the field with state-of-the-art detection capabilities designed to detect trace explosive residues and resolve alarms from other aviation screening equipment.
“NextGen ETD systems identify explosive threats by swabbing explosive residues, conducting vapor detection via sniffing technologies, and identifying explosive vapor in vapor bouquets or through-barrier detection,” explained Next Generation ETD Project Manager, Dr. Thoi Nguyen. “These technologies also minimize intrusive screening procedures and improve officer safety.”
The NextGen ETD team is also working with CBP partners to reconfigure capabilities for identification of synthetic opioids concealed inside packages, in order to better detect and prevent the flow of these drugs across the border.
Screening at Speed
The Screening at Speed Project develops and improves technologies at security checkpoints and also pursues transformative R&D focused on delivering the future of screening. This includes technologies like passenger self-service screening, shoe scanners, solutions for passengers with limited mobility, and distributed screening throughout the airport that reduces the need for a checkpoint.
“Screening at Speed is laying the groundwork for a longer-term vision of screening, by developing concepts and prototypes that allow passengers to clear security with minimal intervention from Transportation Security Officers (TSOs),” explained Dr. Fortune. “We’re also developing advanced algorithms to improve detection and reduce false alarms.”
Screening at Speed technologies are already benefiting DHS missions. A mobile, truck-mounted X-ray screening system, similar to the carry-on equivalent at airports, allows DHS partners in the field to provide the same level of security all across the country and the globe. A handheld screening wand designed to screen passengers who cannot pause and pose in traditional systems, could also be used in facilities where screening needs to be done on the go or where the screening systems are less developed (e.g., at ports-of-entry and border crossings).
Delivering Results to the American People
The BCP Program is making great strides this year towards readying innovations for operational use. In January, S&T demonstrated a shoe scanner that detects threats in footwear without passengers having to remove them at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. In March, pre-qualification testing and evaluation of next generation air cargo skid scanners was completed. The Program also delivered two prototype explosive detections systems capable of detecting and identifying explosives through vials, bottles, and packages without opening them and, also gathered feedback and performance evaluations from travelers and TSOs for a self-service screening lane installed at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
While not all air security technology may be familiar to the average traveler, S&T is committed to evolving all aspects of screening, playing a vital role in keeping the American people, economy, and infrastructure safe.
