Aviation securityTSA looking for device to replace pat-downs

DHS is soliciting ideas from technology companies for a hand-held scanner which may be used instead of pat-down searches on passengers who set off alarms as they go through a full-body scanner.

The Los Angeles Times reports that in its RFI, DHS said it is looking for a hand-held device that weighs less than five pounds and that can determine whether a hidden object on a passenger who set of an alarm is a weapon or explosive. The device should produce a result in less than fifteen seconds, the TSA request said.

“If possible, the goal is to detect all threats including metal and explosives,” the request adds.

Concept approval and device testing could take at least a year. The request did not say how soon it would take for the scanner to show up at airports.