In a major advancement for aviation security technology, Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 145180-2is has been approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a qualified product on the Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL), enabling its use for regulated air cargo inspection operations across the United States.

The HI-SCAN 145180-2is joins more than 20 other Smiths Detection inspection systems already included on the TSA’s ACSTL, reflecting the company’s long-standing leadership in threat detection and aviation security solutions.

A Major Advancement in U.S. Air Cargo Security

The TSA’s approval of the HI-SCAN 145180-2is represents a meaningful step forward in modernizing air cargo screening capabilities. As supply chains grow more interconnected and cargo shipments increase in size and volume, screening technologies must deliver both robust threat detection and operational efficiency.

By qualifying the HI-SCAN 145180-2is for inclusion on the ACSTL, the TSA has confirmed that the system meets strict U.S. performance, reliability, and security standards. This designation allows regulated entities—including airports, freight forwarders, cargo screening facilities, and logistics providers—to deploy the system in compliance with federal aviation security regulations.

The system joins more than 20 Smiths Detection inspection technologies already listed on the ACSTL, further cementing the company’s extensive footprint within U.S. aviation security infrastructure.

Understanding the Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL)

The TSA’s Air Cargo Screening Technology List plays a central role in safeguarding the U.S. aviation cargo supply chain. Only screening systems that successfully complete rigorous qualification testing under TSA oversight are included on the list.

For air cargo operators, ACSTL inclusion is essential. Devices not listed cannot be used for regulated cargo screening, regardless of their capabilities. As a result, TSA approval is both a regulatory requirement and a signal of trust, reliability, and technical maturity.

The addition of the HI-SCAN 145180-2is reflects confidence in Smiths Detection’s ability to deliver systems that align with evolving threat profiles, operational realities, and compliance obligations.

HI-SCAN 145180-2is: Designed for Modern Cargo Operations

At the core of this approval is the HI-SCAN 145180-2is itself—a dual-view X-ray inspection system engineered specifically for high-volume air cargo environments.

One of the system’s defining features is its large tunnel size, capable of screening items up to 57 inches by 71 inches (145 cm × 180 cm). This matches the maximum pallet dimensions permitted by TSA regulations, allowing operators to inspect full pallets in a single pass.

By eliminating the need to break down shipments for screening and reassemble them afterward, the system significantly reduces handling time, labor requirements, and the risk of cargo damage.

Dual-View Imaging for Enhanced Detection and Throughput

The HI-SCAN 145180-2is employs advanced dual-view X-ray technology, generating two adjoining high-resolution images of cargo simultaneously. This design provides screeners with multiple perspectives in a single scan, improving the ability to identify concealed threats without requiring rescans.

From an operational standpoint, this capability delivers two major advantages:

• Improved detection accuracy, as operators can analyze cargo contents from multiple angles

• Higher throughput, since fewer rescans are needed, reducing bottlenecks in busy cargo facilities

In high-volume logistics hubs, where speed and accuracy must coexist, these benefits are particularly valuable.

Balancing Security with Operational Efficiency

Cargo security has long faced a fundamental challenge: how to increase screening rigor without slowing down global trade. The HI-SCAN 145180-2is was designed with this balance in mind.

According to Smiths Detection leadership, the system integrates advanced imaging performance with a compact and efficient footprint, enabling deployment even in space-constrained facilities. This makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, from major international airports to regional cargo screening centers.

By supporting bulk inspection, minimizing manual intervention, and streamlining workflows, the system helps operators maintain high security standards while meeting demanding throughput targets.

Why This Approval Matters for the Cargo Industry

The TSA qualification of the HI-SCAN 145180-2is has implications that extend beyond Smiths Detection itself. For the broader air cargo ecosystem, the approval introduces a new option for meeting regulatory requirements while improving efficiency.

Key impacts include:

• Increased capacity for secure cargo screening as volumes continue to grow

• Reduced operational complexity through bulk screening capabilities

• Improved compliance confidence for regulated entities

• Enhanced resilience in the face of evolving threat landscapes

As air cargo plays an increasingly critical role in global commerce—supporting e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and humanitarian logistics—reliable and efficient screening systems are essential.

Supporting Compliance in a Highly Regulated Environment

Air cargo security in the United States is governed by stringent rules designed to prevent explosives, weapons, and other prohibited items from entering the aviation system. Compliance is non-negotiable, and technology plays a central role in ensuring consistent enforcement.

The HI-SCAN 145180-2is has undergone extensive evaluation to demonstrate its ability to meet these regulatory demands. Its inclusion on the ACSTL means that operators can deploy the system knowing it aligns with TSA expectations for performance, reliability, and threat detection.

This reduces regulatory uncertainty and simplifies procurement decisions for organizations responsible for safeguarding cargo operations.

Smiths Detection’s Broader Role in Aviation Security

Smiths Detection, a division of Smiths Group, is widely recognized as a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies. The company serves customers across civil aviation, ports and borders, defense, and homeland security markets.

Its portfolio includes X-ray scanners, computed tomography (CT) systems, trace detection technologies, and advanced software solutions designed to identify explosives, weapons, narcotics, and other contraband.

The approval of the HI-SCAN 145180-2is builds on a strong track record of innovation and regulatory engagement, demonstrating Smiths Detection’s ability to anticipate industry needs and deliver compliant, future-ready solutions.

Part of a Growing TSA-Qualified Portfolio

The HI-SCAN 145180-2is is not an isolated achievement. Smiths Detection has consistently expanded its presence on the TSA’s ACSTL, including the recent addition of systems such as the SDX 100100 DV HC dual-view air cargo scanner.

Together, these technologies provide cargo operators with a range of options tailored to different operational requirements, cargo types, and facility layouts.

This breadth of approved solutions allows organizations to design layered security strategies that align with both risk profiles and business objectives.

Addressing Evolving Threats in Air Cargo

The aviation security threat landscape continues to evolve, with adversaries seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Air cargo, in particular, presents unique challenges due to the diversity of shipments and the speed at which goods move.

Advanced screening systems like the HI-SCAN 145180-2is help address these challenges by delivering:

• High-resolution imaging for complex cargo

• Consistent performance across varied shipment types

• Scalable solutions that adapt to rising volumes

By investing in such technologies, the industry strengthens its ability to detect and deter threats before they reach aircraft.

Operational Confidence for Cargo Operators

With TSA qualification secured, cargo operators can now procure and deploy the HI-SCAN 145180-2is with confidence. The system’s combination of throughput, image quality, and compliance readiness makes it particularly attractive for facilities handling large or irregular shipments.

For logistics providers under pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more reliable services, the ability to screen cargo efficiently without compromising security is a critical differentiator.

What Comes Next for Smiths Detection

Looking ahead, Smiths Detection is expected to continue expanding and refining its portfolio of aviation security technologies. As regulatory standards evolve and new threats emerge, innovation will remain essential.

Future developments are likely to focus on:

• Enhanced automation and image analysis

• Greater integration with digital security ecosystems

• Improved sustainability and energy efficiency

• Support for next-generation regulatory requirements

The TSA approval of the HI-SCAN 145180-2is positions Smiths Detection well to lead these advancements.

Conclusion

The TSA’s approval of Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 145180-2is marks a significant milestone in the evolution of air cargo security in the United States. By combining large-format screening, dual-view imaging, and high-throughput performance, the system addresses the dual imperatives of security and efficiency that define modern cargo operations.

As air cargo volumes continue to grow and supply chains become more complex, technologies like the HI-SCAN 145180-2is will play a critical role in safeguarding aviation while enabling commerce to move at speed. With a strong track record of innovation and regulatory collaboration, Smiths Detection continues to shape the future of aviation security—delivering solutions that protect people, infrastructure, and global trade.

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