German security solutions provider Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT has secured European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) approval as a Standard 3.1 explosives detection system for hold baggage.

The company used a dual-view, dual-energy line scanner with high-resolution 3D Computed Tomography (CT) to provide improved data.

With this certification, airports that are currently upgrading to Standard 3 technology will have an option to increase detection levels even further to 3.1.

“The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is a future-proof investment, which offers high levels of security and operational efficiency.”

Additionally, any standard 3 systems already installed can be enhanced to 3.1 through a software upgrade.

Depending on the destination and associated risk level, the detection algorithms are interchangeable on a bag-by-bag basis, thereby providing added flexibility and productivity.

Smiths Detection Technology and Product Development vice-president Matt Clark said: “With the capability to meet detection requirements for both current and emerging threats, the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is a future-proof investment, which offers high levels of security and operational efficiency.

“We are helping airports across Europe to make the transition to Standard 3 and are delighted to now also offer the more stringent Standard 3.1 approved technology.”

The belt speed of HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is 0.5m per second, which means the system can handle up to 1,800 bags per hour.

Equipped with a large rectangular tunnel (107cm x 81cm), the baggage scanner offers full-colour images and a low false alarm rate to support the challenging performance levels demanded by airports.

Besides Standard 3.1 approval, the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT has been certified by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as meeting current regulatory requirements for hold baggage.