Hi-tech gizmos to tackle terror
By VINCE SOODIN
October 31, 2006
Reid ... announced new technology
NEW anti-terror technology launched today included the latest version of a machine which can see through clothes to detect weapons and explosives.
The Tadar machine uses “millimetre wave” technology to scan a body’s natural radiation.
It “sees” through clothes and provides an image of a naked body on a computer screen, while dense objects such as guns, knives or explosives appear as black outlines.
The machines, launched at a conference where Home Secretary John Reid delivered a keynote speech, cost £80,000 to £100,000 each.
A spokesman for Tadar said it could be used in airports and other transport systems, courts, prisons, embassies, power stations and even schools.
Also on show was a £75,000 walk-through narcotics and explosives detector which blows jets of air on to a person’s body, and then analyses the air for tiny particles of illegal substances.
The Metropolitan Police announced their plans to use millimetre wave technology at the end of 2003.
The force’s Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, said their first scanner, nicknamed “The Machine”, would help combat terrorism and gun crime.
At the start of this year the technology was trialled at Paddington station in London.
A 23ft long steel box was erected next to Heathrow Express platforms.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling had earlier announced that there would be further trials on the London Underground and at other mainline stations.
thesun.co.uk
By VINCE SOODIN
October 31, 2006
Reid ... announced new technology
NEW anti-terror technology launched today included the latest version of a machine which can see through clothes to detect weapons and explosives.
The Tadar machine uses “millimetre wave” technology to scan a body’s natural radiation.
It “sees” through clothes and provides an image of a naked body on a computer screen, while dense objects such as guns, knives or explosives appear as black outlines.
The machines, launched at a conference where Home Secretary John Reid delivered a keynote speech, cost £80,000 to £100,000 each.
A spokesman for Tadar said it could be used in airports and other transport systems, courts, prisons, embassies, power stations and even schools.
Also on show was a £75,000 walk-through narcotics and explosives detector which blows jets of air on to a person’s body, and then analyses the air for tiny particles of illegal substances.
The Metropolitan Police announced their plans to use millimetre wave technology at the end of 2003.
The force’s Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, said their first scanner, nicknamed “The Machine”, would help combat terrorism and gun crime.
At the start of this year the technology was trialled at Paddington station in London.
A 23ft long steel box was erected next to Heathrow Express platforms.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling had earlier announced that there would be further trials on the London Underground and at other mainline stations.
thesun.co.uk