The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has bought 300 ProVision ATD personnel screening systems, worth a total of $44.8m, from L-3 Communications for use at aviation checkpoints.

Based on millimetre-wave technology, ProVision ATD automatically detects potential threats and highlights their location on a generic mannequin that appears on a monitor attached to the system.

Using safe radio waves and automatic target detection software, the ProVision ATD addresses passenger privacy concerns.

Under a separate contract with L-3, TSA will upgrade its 250 ProVision units deployed at 40 US airports with the new image-free ATD software.