Advanced People-Screener Deployed At Heathrow Airport

Smiths Detection’s advanced people-screener which uses electronic, real-time imaging to detect concealed weapons or explosives, has been deployed for the first time at Heathrow Airport in London.

Eqo’s patented, millimetre-wave imaging provides a clear, moving picture of the person passing in front of a flat panel in a standard checkpoint layout.  A remote operator can then check for any threat items – metal, non-metallic or liquid - hidden beneath clothing.

Smiths Detection President Stephen Phipson said: “We are delighted that eqo is to play an important role in the comprehensive, layered security that protects travellers at Heathrow.  Smiths Detection will deploy eqos at a number of airports worldwide in the coming weeks to meet increased demand following the incident over Detroit at Christmas.”

Using a fraction of the footprint of conventional scanners, eqo’s open-plan design helps speed passenger throughput. Travellers just have to pause to face the panel and then slowly turn around before continuing their journey. In addition to fully remote operation that provides anonymity, privacy filters such as face blurring are built into the system.  The equipment is also programmed to be incapable of storing, transmitting or printing images.