The COBUS SCAN 3000 facilitates the screening of baggage and each passenger is also screened via a walk-through metal detector. The process is designed to provide the same service as the terminal security checkpoint, providing a primary or secondary layer of security, as well as saving infrastructure costs.
The first deployment of the COBUS SCAN 3000 mobile screening units at Canadian gateway airports is an initiative of CATSA, which manages screening operations in 89 Canadian airports, and was approved through collaboration with Transport Canada.
Mike Saunders, CATSA’s vice president and chief technology officer, responsible for service delivery of screening equipment for Canada’s airports explained: “Through discussions with Transport Canada, it became obvious that an MSU would be the best solution for a number of security applications. One of the functions would be for special events. The MSUs will prove their worth during the Winter Olympics and can be used for any type of screening at an airport, because we are putting that functionality in there.”
The COBUS SCAN 3000 facilitates the screening of baggage and each passenger is also screened via a walk-through metal detector. The process is designed to provide the same service as the terminal security checkpoint, providing a primary or secondary layer of security, as well as saving infrastructure costs. Saunders explained that the MSU is seen as a solution in Canada for Fixed Base Operations where private aircraft and commercial aircraft come into play. “I think we would concentrate on major airports with the highest amount of private and chartered traffic,” he said. “Fixed Base Operators do not have the equipment already or the space for security screening and an MSU provides that ability. It saves having to put in expensive equipment in the FBO terminal and they can tailor the amount of screening to suit their requirements.”
The German and Swiss airports are also showing an interest, explained Jürgen Kamps, managing director, Contrac. “In Europe, where you have a mixture of Schengen and non-Schengen flights, it is also possible to quickly screen last minute transfer passengers,” he said. “In this case, it would be a mobile secondary screening process where passengers’ flights are delayed and they need to be rescreened again. Delayed passengers are often missing flights because they need to travel through security and this represents an added cost to the airlines.”
The SCAN 3000 is also designed with a “wide maintenance flap”, enabling airports to choose which security equipment they wish to use or upgrade where the technology continues to mature. Smiths Detection currently supplies nine HI-SCAN 7555i X-ray inspection systems for the Cobus 3000 buses. Another unique function is that the Cobus 3000 is made entirely of aluminium. “This ensures there is 100% functionality as security screening can be carried out without electrical interferences,” said Kamps.
While the current focus is on special events and usage for Fixed Based Operators in Canada, and the last minute screening of transfer passengers in the EU, other options could include regular inspection of flight and ground crews.
Sharing best practices with key aviation stakeholders is essential to addressing common security standards, said Saunders. “We are working closely with the TSA and looking at continually building our partnerships, through methods such as pilot studies and sharing information. This also includes our continuous cooperation with European partnerships, including BAA, on harmonising our security efforts.”
