Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection to supply US TSA with ETD

Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract for over $4 million by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to supply IONSCAN 500 DT Explosives Trace Detection Systems (ETD), an explosives trace detector, to airports across the US over the next two years, plus on-site service maintenance.



Image courtesy Smiths Detection

The new ETDs are in addition to the systems already widely deployed throughout US airports, which are used for secondary screening at checkpoints or checked baggage areas.

The IONSCAN 500DT, certified on the TSA Qualified Products List for security screening, utilizes Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (IMS) to perform trace analysis of explosives in seconds.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Easy to use, the operators can detect a wide range of military, commercial and homemade threats. Deploying additional Smiths Detection ETDs allows airports to maintain the highest level of screening efficiency and be better equipped to face ever evolving threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Shan Hood, President of Smiths Detection Inc., comments: “Our mission is to make the world a safer place by providing our customers with the most advanced detection technologies. We aim to help safeguard society, protect life and support the free flow of trade.”

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

Aerospace Events

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

24 April 2026

Boeing and Ontic have announced a new distribution agreement at MRO Americas to supply Grimes engine valves to commercial airlines worldwide, pairing Boeing Distribution’s global reach with Ontic’s manufacturing to shorten lead times and improve aircraft readiness.

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

Aerospace Security

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

24 April 2026

On World Pilot Day (Sunday 26th April) air ambulance pilots are teaming up with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to urge drone users to fly responsibly after emergency helicopter flights were disrupted by drones during lifesaving missions in 2025.

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

Aerospace

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

23 April 2026

Cranfield University has been selected to play a key role in a major UK research initiative aimed at improving the understanding of aviation’s non CO₂ climate impacts.

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

Aerospace

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

23 April 2026

Ontic has introduced a new teardown procurement initiative to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges, namely the availability of hard-to-source components for established platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

Aerospace

Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

22 April 2026

Provider of fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, Aurrigo, has announced the opening of its new UK Hub facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and manufacturing capability.

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

22 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has strengthened its European passenger division with new leadership appointments aimed at supporting growth across the region.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner