The leader in security screening for the Asia Pacific aviation industry

By Frédéric Brouiller

Asia Infrastructure asks Frédéric Brouiller how Rapiscan Systems helps make flying safer.

“The higher image quality produced by backscatter is far better suited to situations that require a high level of security”

What is Rapiscan Systems?

Frédéric Brouiller. Founded in 1993, Rapiscan Systems is a supplier of high quality security inspection solutions, with a proven track record in protecting ports and airports, and guarding critical infrastructure across the globe. From baggage and parcel inspection systems and metal detectors, to automated explosive detection systems, air cargo screening solutions and container inspection systems, the comprehensive product portfolio and experienced, knowledgeable consultants help any customer design and deploy a solution built around their unique requirements. With over 70,000 systems in over 100 countries, Rapiscan Systems partners with international governments, customs and security agencies to design and deploy customised and highly effective solutions.

Following the attempt to blow up a passenger aircraft using explosives hidden by a passenger, the need for some form of whole body imaging at airport checkpoints has increased. What technology should airports look at using?

FB. Traditional metal detectors will not pick up non-metallic threats hidden under or inside clothes, driving international airports to find alternative solutions that are capable of detecting dangerous materials, which are now being deployed in airports globally.

Currently, two technologies are available that can scan the human body for potential threats: backscatter and millimetre wave (MMW). While both systems can be used to detect anomalies, the higher image quality produced by backscatter is far better suited to situations that require a high level of security.

For example, the Rapiscan Secure 1000 uses proprietary backscatter technology that produces exceptional quality images - front and back - in less than seven seconds, so less time is involved, there is no intrusive search, and the passengers' privacy is being protected at a remote location. The software and networking abilities of new X-ray devices make all this possible.

While there are other technologies used for body scanning, such as millimetre wave (MMW), the backscatter technology is best suited for aviation security requirements as it provides a uniformly high resolution image regardless of the material being scanned. This makes it easier for trained operators to rapidly detect potential threats, which improves both security and checkpoint efficiency. A scan using backscatter technology represents a much lower health risk to passengers than the flight itself, whilst significantly enhancing their security.

MMW technology can be used to great effect in locations where a relatively low level of security scan is acceptable, such as commercial environments or conferences, where the risk of attacks is smaller. Technology such as Rapiscan's WaveScan 200 uses passive millimetre wave technology to provide additional levels of flexibility and capability to address challenging personnel screening and object detection requirements.

With aviation security measures - such as the ban on liquids - becoming tougher, how has technology moved on to reduce waiting times and inconvenience for passengers?

FB. With increasing pressure from the travelling public, airlines and others for the strict liquid, aerosols and gels (LAGs) regulations to change, air passengers worldwide have seen the start of the100ml restriction being lifted. In 2008, Rapiscan launched its real time tomography (RTT) system, a revolutionary liquid explosive detection technology, with the detection capability of computerised tomography and a throughput capacity up to 1800 bags per hour for hold baggage screening application in compliancy with latest and future international regulation. Equipment such as the RTT will enable airports like Kuala Lumpur International Airport to keep ahead of the international threat of terrorism, while also helping to minimise the impact on the airline passenger.

Dual view advanced technology X-ray machines have also been designed specifically for aviation and other high security applications to offer improved visual processing and detection of explosives and liquid threats. The 620DV from Rapiscan is one of the most advanced checkpoint inspection systems in the world because it takes multiple views of a passenger bag in the same time that it takes existing X-ray machines to show a single view. Varying angles enable airport screeners to more readily identify potential threat objects, which include liquid explosive threats and other improvised explosive devices.

Biography

Frédéric Brouiller is Deputy Vice President of Sales, Asia Pacific for Rapiscan Systems. Brouiller has worked within the aviation industry for over 10 years in sales management positions for Fabricom Airport Systems, France and L3 Communications, UK. In his current position as Deputy Vice President of Sales, Asia Pacific for Rapiscan Systems; he works closely with the aviation industry to install advanced security screening solutions.