TSA Liquid Explosive Screenings

The TSA just announced a new pilot testing at several of the largest airports in the U.S. of new equipment capable of screening sealed bottled liquids for explosives. The first unit ready for pilot testing is called FIDO and is manufactured by ICx Technologies.
Because the technology is performing well in pilot testing, TSA anticipates deploying up to 200 bottled liquid scanners to the nation’s busiest airports in FY 2007.

The device is currently being used by the U.S. government domestically and overseas, but this is the first time the hand-held bottled liquid scanners are being used in the airport environment. The TSA worked with the manufacturer, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate and the national laboratories to ensure the sensor meets TSA’s specific operational needs. The organizations are working with other vendors of bottled liquid scanners as well and plans to test those devices in the future.

Bottled liquid scanners have been or will be piloted at the following airports: Miami International (completed); Newark Liberty International (completed); Detroit Metro (ongoing); Los Angeles International (ongoing); Las Vegas McCarran International (ongoing); Boston Logan International (starting 5/23).