The Transportation Security Administration today demonstrated publicly for the first time, four Reveal explosives detection systems (EDS) installed at Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) in December. 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.

“Testing, certifying and deploying a new technology is one of the cornerstones of our agency. This is another step forward,” said Kip Hawley, TSA Administrator. “We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of Airport Director Tom Greer, his staff and the airlines in bringing this security enhancement to Monterey Peninsula Airport.”

"Baggage screening is a necessary part of modern travel, but the more ways we can find to make it convenient for travelers and airport security personnel, the better,” said Congressman Sam Farr, member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. “This new explosives detection system was designed for airports like ours and I'm glad that we're able to help TSA assess its performance."

“With the introduction of these new explosives detection systems, the process for getting passengers on their way has become even easier,” said Monterey Peninsula Airport Director Tom Greer. “This security enhancement once again demonstrates our commitment to passengers to keep this airport on the cutting edge.”

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 February 2007, TSA has deployed 114 Reveal machines at a total of 38 airports, including at the original pilot locations. The four EDS machines at MRY are located in a baggage screening area behind the ticket counter. The Reveal technology was specifically designed for use at mostly small- to medium-sized 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 explosives detection technology, please visit our Web site at www.tsa.gov.