The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the deployment of two Reveal explosives detection systems (EDS) for screening checked baggage at Wichita (Kan.) Mid- Continent Airport (ICT). The Reveal CT-80 machines are smaller in size and are less than half the price of other EDS machines currently in use at many commercial airports nationwide.

"This is a good example of how TSA continues to test and deploy new and cost-efficient technologies to make baggage screening more efficient at the nation's airports," said ICT Federal Security Director Keith Osborn. "We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of Airport Director Victor White, his staff and the airlines in bringing this security enhancement to Mid- Continent Airport."

In 2005, TSA deployed eight Reveal machines for operational field-testing and evaluation at three airports: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (Miss.), Newark Liberty International Airport (N.J.) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (N.Y.). The field tests lasted from 30 to 45 days and provided TSA with the opportunity to evaluate the machine's effectiveness in an airport environment as well as their impact on security and customer service.

As of January 2007, TSA has deployed 112 Reveal machines at a total of 37 airports, including the original pilot locations. The two EDS machines at ICT will be located between the Delta Connection and US Airways ticket counters. The Reveal technology was specifically designed for use at mostly small- to medium-size airports. The Reveal machines cost approximately $350,000 each as compared to the larger, standard EDS machines, which cost between $900,000 and $1.3 million each.

Reveal EDS machines were certified in December 2004 by TSA's Transportation Security Laboratory in Atlantic City, N.J. Reveal is the third company to have its explosives detection equipment certified by TSA for screening checked baggage at the nation's airports.

For more information about TSA, please visit our Web site at http://www.tsa.gov/.