Eppley Airfield installs advanced technology CT scanner at TSA checkpoint

A new state-of-the-art, advanced technology computed tomography checkpoint scanner (CT) that provides 3D imaging has been installed and is in use at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Eppley Airfield (OMA).

The new technology provides critical explosives detection capabilities at the checkpoint and improves the capability for TSA officers to determine whether an item inside a carry-on bag is a possible threat.

The system applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives by creating a 3D image that can be viewed and rotated on three axes for thorough visual image analysis by a TSA officer. If a bag requires further screening, TSA officers will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside. 

TSA’s Federal Security Director for Nebraska, Michael Fowler, said: “The new CT scanner uses 3D imagery, and it is so good that our TSA officers can manipulate the image on screen to get a better view of a bag’s contents and often clear items without having to open a carry-on bag. The use of this new technology represents an improved security threat detection capability at the checkpoint and, in addition, often reduces the need for pulling aside a bag to be opened, thus reducing a touchpoint during the pandemic.”

This CT scanner is similar to what is used to scan checked baggage for explosive devices, and has been re-sized to fit at checkpoints to create such a clear image of a bag’s contents that the system can automatically detect explosives, including liquids, by shooting hundreds of images with an X-ray camera spinning around the conveyor belt to provide TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag.

Checkpoint CT scanner technology should result in fewer bag checks. Passengers using this machine at Eppley Airfield will be permitted to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.