London City Airport has introduced the Rohde & Schwarz Quick Personnel Security scanner R&S QPS200, a full-body screening system it previously trialled.
Unlike some older scanners, this model features a more modern, open design that allows passengers to stand with their arms slightly away from their sides rather than raised above their heads. The system still detects potentially dangerous items but speeds up the screening process by offering a more comfortable posture and faster throughput.
Passengers simply stand in front of the unit with their arms slightly out. If the scanner detects a potential threat, it displays the item’s location on a schematic of the human body, a method that preserves passenger privacy while guiding security staff to the area that needs secondary inspection.
“Each day approximately 10,000 departing passengers pass through our central security search area and we constantly look at ways to improve the screening experience, including the use of new technology,” said Melanie Burnley, director of customer experience at London City Airport. “The Rohde & Schwarz body scanner is one of the best in the industry and is easy for passengers to use, meaning we can keep their time in security to a minimum and also quickly detect any prohibited objects.”
The scanner uses millimetre-wave technology operating in the 70–80 GHz frequency range. This type of radiation is non-ionising and presents no known health risk to passengers.