Smiths Detection, a global supplier of threat detection technology, has unveiled its latest security screening solution, the SDX 10080 SCT at inter airport Europe 2025 in Munich.
The new system, designed for hold baggage and air cargo screening, features advanced dual-energy Computed Tomography (CT) technology for improved threat detection.
Smiths Detection Portfolio Director, Aviation & Critical Infrastructure, Juergen Kappler, ran LARA through its functionality and capabilities.
Kappler stressed that, crucially, the SDX 10080 SCT is designed as a modular “future-proof” system to meet current standards like ECAC Standard 3.2 and TSA 7.3, while ensuring readiness for future mandates.
“If a customer acquires the product now, he has peace of mind for a long time because the product will evolve and grow through its lifetime,” he said..
The solution offers two main configurations:
- SDX 10080 SCT: A CT-only system that boasts a compact, energy-efficient design with lower capital expenditure.
- SDX 10080 SCT LS: This configuration adds an optional high-resolution dual-view Line Scanner (LS). The LS provides 2D images to support faster, more confident alarm resolution decisions. By combining CT and LS, the system also offers built-in redundancy to ensure continuous screening operations.
Kappler said the advantage of the second configuration was that it produced very high quality imagery that can be used by screening staff to check for possible false alarms from the CT-only module.
“That means they look at the pictures after an alarm on the first level to classify is it really critical or is it a false alarm?” he said, adding that this functionality was available via a straightforward upgrade path although, for some airports, the basis setup was more than good enough.
“So if a customer wants to go this path in the future, he can buy the additional line scanner. If they are more limited in space or they don’t have the same kind of high demands, they can live very well with the basic version without the additional line scanner, because the 3D pictures are also very good. So for little bit less demanding applications, this is more than good enough. It’s still outstandingly good,” he said.
The SDX 10080 SCT is engineered for high operational efficiency, capable of screening over 1,800 items per hour for uninterrupted operation. This speed is achieved through a 0.5 m/s conveyor, dynamic calibration, reduced object spacing, an innovative curtain design, and a large 107 x 81 cm tunnel. Furthermore, its simplified build—featuring a bearing-free gantry and air-based cooling—boosts uptime while significantly cutting down on energy consumption and maintenance needs, ultimately aiming for the lowest total cost of ownership in its category.
Another benefit for airport operations is the system’s design as a true drop-in replacement for existing Smiths Detection hold baggage scanners. It maintains full network compatibility and the same physical footprint, eliminating the need for costly terminal redesigns and simplifying the technology transition process.
“It uses the same footprint as predecessor products, so it’s an easy retrofit. If you can get the old one in, you can get the new one in,” said Kappler.
He also stressed the sustainability credentials of the new system, from materials used to longevity of service.
“For example, we use lead free curtains just to use as little as possible hazardous substances in the product itself. We also don’t use cooling refrigerants, we used air cooling so power consumption drastically went down. So also we use less, well, power, less carbon footprint. I think that’s another thing we want to do. And last but not least, since the product is they’re supposed to grow over time, there is no need to exchange the product in the next 10 years plus.”
Kappler added that the system was in the process of European certification and, given Smiths Detection experience, he did not envisage any major obstacles.
“Its not the first time of course that we’re doing this, so we have a lot of history and experience with it. So we’re very confident that within the first half of next year we’ll have the certification achieved. Then we will go directly with extending the certification because at the moment we have ECAC 3.1 as the current standard and a future standard is ECAC 3.2. So we’ll first undergo EPAC 3.1,” he said.
Fully based on Smiths Detection’s own Intellectual Property (IP), the system also guarantees supply chain security and is digitally interoperable with platforms such as ELECTORA and application suites like iCMORE, supporting a more connected, data-driven security ecosystem for operators.
The SDX 10080 SCT is capable of scanning 1,800 items an hour.
