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A Closer Look At Your Luggage
he Aviation and Transportation Security Act requires that all luggage checked at U.S. airports be screened by explosive-detection systems by the end of 2002. However, since only two companies make the machines airports need-InVision Technologies of Newark, Calif., and L-3 Communications of New York City-meeting that deadline will be a tall order. Transportation officials are exploring whether InVision and L-3 could franchise their rights to the design so other companies could produce the machines. And Transportation is looking for new technology, as well-DOT received more than 600 proposals for new transportation security equipment, including luggage-screening machines, in response to a Sept. 25 solicitation.
Fewer than 10 percent of the 1 billion bags moved through U.S. airports every year are checked for explosives. Traditional X-ray machines can spot large bricks of plastic explosives hidden in luggage. But terrorists have learned how to roll that material out to the thickness of a piece of cardboard, say detection technology experts. The machines required by the new law can scan the density of an object, which never changes, helping human baggage screeners discern a harmless item from a potential threat.
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