LONDON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The British government on Friday announced it would invest 4 million U.S. dollars into researching ways to detect explosives in airport luggage.
Holidaymakers could be spared the hassle of removing laptops and tablets from hand-luggage when passing through airport security as the government seeks to revolutionize aviation screening, the interior Home Office and the Department for Transport announced.
Universities as well as companies are to be invited to bid for money by submitting proposals for original research in the field of concealed explosives. New methods of detecting whether electrical items have been tampered with or appear irregular are also of interest as part of the initiative.
The proposals will focus on either screening electrical items within bags at an airport's central search area, or the use of more portable technology to screen items at other points in the passenger journey.
Once ready for commercial use, the new technologies will enhance the ability to prevent terrorist attacks on aviation, say government officials.
British Security Minister Ben Wallace said: "Aviation security is a government priority and one with an ever changing threat landscape. We need to embrace and encourage the talent from industry that will allow us to stay several steps ahead of those who wish us harm."
Minister for Aviation Lord Callanan said: "As technology improves we want to make the aviation experience quicker and easier for all holidaymakers."
The fund is being run as part of a wider multi-million dollar initiative to deliver a step change in aviation security through a program known as Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS).
FASS, a joint Department for Transport and Home Office program, is working closely with industry to stimulate and fund research into a broad range of potential security innovations from initial concepts through to commercial products.
FASS has already issued 2.16 million U.S. dollars funding to projects aimed at improving the screening of passengers, their luggage and cargo.
