Use of X-ray Backscatter Imaging to Screen General Aviation Aircraft

In this Phase II effort, American Science & Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) will design, fabricate, test and deliver a mobile X-ray Backscatter one-sided imaging system suitable for examining general aviation aircraft for the presence of weapons, contraband or other proscribed items. The system employs a high resolution X-ray Backscatter imaging module mounted on an omni-directional host platform, providing exceptional motion control and versatility for imaging key points on general aviation aircraft, including engines, wings, fuselage, and empennage. The system incorporates collision avoidance to prevent any inadvertent contact with the object being scanned. Real time imagery is displayed to the operator, who controls the system from a co-located graphical user interface. The operator can manipulate and analyze the resulting images using the included software toolkit. The aircraft scanner can be easily moved from location to location within the airport using its own power, or it can be loaded onto a standard flatbed transport for more distant relocations. The system is safe for the operator, the item scanned and the surrounding area. A prototype system, training, manuals and support will be provided within the twelve month program.This program will evaluate the effectiveness and application of an appropriately-configured X-ray Backscatter imager to the screening of general aviation aircraft. It builds on work already in progress at AS&E to miniaturize and improve the resolution of single-sided Xray Backscatter systems.