QinetiQ is making a desired national security goal a reality with their North American division’s creation of “Standoff Passive Object Detection System (SPO-7), calling it an “integral part of achieving a sustained, layered mix of systems that addresses threats before they reach screening checkpoints.”
The SPO-7 is designed for use in examining individuals in lobbies, building entrances or parking garages, the portable screening device benefits users with highly reliable stand-off capability for detection of concealed items made of various materials.
The sensor is a real-time, non-emitting, non-imaging system that detects concealed objects using passive millimeter wave technology without raising privacy concerns, which can be an issue for full-image scanners. Besides weaponry or bomb-making tools, it could also detect drugs or large amounts of cash.
The product comes at a time when the Obama administration has put an increased emphasis on better passenger-screening methods at airports.
“We’re paying very close attention to the President’s directive and subsequent action from Congress and the TSA, ” says Don Steinman, a Director at QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group. “We’re faced with the responsibility of protecting people’s lives, and we’re confident that our technology is an important piece to helping solve the transportation security puzzle.”
The TSA, which uses the SPO-7 in Boston’s Logan Airport, has already purchased 22 units.
