Bradley Airport installing new X

The new Analogic Mid-Size Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at BTV Airport in Vermont. Photo by TSA

Bradley International Airport is getting with the times — the airport is installing eight new X-ray machines over the course of the next several weeks, according to TSA New England Spokesman Dan Velez.

These new state-of-the-art X-ray machines are called Analogic Mid-Size Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, which are to be installed at Bradley's security checkpoint across six different security lanes, Velez said.

The scanners are designed to decrease the amount of time passengers need to spend in the airport's security lines by allowing TSA officials to have a clearer image inside bags — all without having to actually open the bag.

"CT technology uses a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the content of the bag and allows TSA officers to rotate the image to verify there are no threats contained in the bag without needing to open the suitcase," said Velez.

"By reducing the number of bags that need a visual inspection, it improves the security experience."

The new machines will be able to take three-dimensional, high-resolution images of the inside of passengers’ bags that can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for TSA officials to view all angles of bags’ contents.

This will eliminate the need for airline passengers to remove electronics, laptops, liquids, aerosols and gels from their carry-on luggage, TSA stated.

The new Analogic Mid-Size Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at BTV Airport in Vermont. Photo by TSA

The X-ray scanners will also offer enhanced security screenings, with technology that "automates much of the explosives detection function" and "improved detection of homemade explosives, reduced false alarm rates, and reduced threat mass detection," according to TSA.

Construction of these machines at Bradley will take place beginning Jan. 16 and ending Friday, Feb. 24, Velez said. He stated the majority of the install will be overnight so as not to severely impact passengers’ time or cause noise disruptions, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. daily.

Velez said since there will be certain security lanes closed each day, it's imperative airline passengers arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled flights. However, he stated the wait times should not be a "big deal" throughout the entire project for passengers, especially with the airline having a predetermined, scheduled timeline of the construction.

"Passengers may experience a slight increase in wait times, so it is important to arrive at least two hours prior to departure time," Velez said.

Other airports across New England have already installed the X-ray machines. Burlington International Airport in Vermont had its scanners installed in July 2022, while the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire installed the scanners in September 2022.

The Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is also expected to complete its construction of the X-ray scanners in February 2023.

In September 2021, TSA announced its award of $198 million to the Analogic Corporation for the construction of these new machines at TSA checkpoints across the nation.

"This award is another important step in enhancing aviation security" said TSA Administrator David Pekoske at the time.

"It provides our dedicated frontline officers with one of the best tools available to screen passenger carry-on items and also improves the passenger experience by allowing passengers to keep more items in their carry-on bags during the screening process."

The award allowed for TSA to purchase more than 300 of the X-ray machines, and had stated in 2021 it expected the construction of the machines to begin in early 2022.

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