Smiths Detection Security Technology a Core Element of New Siemens Airport Centre

Smiths Detection, the world's leading provider of X-ray and trace detection equipment, today announced that it has provided all security systems for people screening, carry-on baggage inspection and automatic explosives detection in checked baggage for the new Siemens Airport Centre (SAC) in Bislohe near Nuremberg, Germany.

Systems specified for this substantial project include metal detector portals, integrated and networked Smiths Heimann HI-SCAN 6046si X-ray inspection equipment for passenger checkpoints and HI-SCAN 10080 EDX for automatic explosives detection in hold baggage. Special analyst workstations for secondary inspection fulfil the 100% Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) requirement based on a multi-level approach. Smiths Heimann also trained security assistants who will work with the respective systems at SAC.

Hans Zirwes, General Manager and CSO of Smiths Detection EMEA, spoke about his pride in the successful implementation of Smiths Heimann security systems in the SAC during the opening ceremony, especially the 100% HBS solution. "We have the opportunity to demonstrate our equipment in a high-grade technology environment. In the SAC customers can actually see how easily we can integrate our world-leading x-ray systems."

The Smiths Heimann HI-SCAN 10080 EDX X-ray inspection system for the automatic detection of explosives in checked baggage is fully integrated in the 2 kilometre baggage handling system of Siemens' demo airport. Based on state-of-the-art technology this system is geared for approximately 30 million items of baggage per year, the third largest baggage handling operation in Germany, after Munich and Frankfurt airports.

In the proven multi-level inspection approach for checked baggage, the entire baggage volume is automatically screened for explosives by the fast Level-1 EDX-system. Cleared baggage is conveyed to the aircraft for loading, while X-ray images of suspicious baggage are automatically transferred to the Smiths Heimann analyst workstations for further inspection.

With the new SAC Airport, operators and airlines from all over the world now have access to a unique centre for innovation, planning and testing. Customised solutions can be developed and simulated well in advance. At Bislohe, the entire infrastructure of a busy international airport has been created in an area measuring roughly 8,500 square metres.

About the technology: The automatic explosives detection system HI-SCAN 10080 EDX represents the latest advancement of the proven Smiths Heimann EDS technology, able to screen up to 1,800 bags per hour. HI-SCAN 6046si is equipped with a high resolution detector line, recently improved to incorporate advanced sensor technology that produces detailed images, making the 6046si a valuable tool for high risk applications. In addition, the new HI-SCAN 6046si features a higher tunnel opening and therefore can easily accommodate non-standard carry-on baggage.

About Smiths Detection: Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical & biological agents, weapons and contraband. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths Heimann X-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide.