Story ID: 460Fboro18
Raytheon REDS Screens for Explosives
By: Gerrard Cowan
Caption: The system tests for explosives in laptops, backpacks, shoes, and vehicles.
Word Count: 111
Raytheon is launching the Raytheon Explosives Detection System (REDS) for detecting explosive chemicals. Available for use in airports, government buildings or for screening access to other public locations, REDS uses non-invasive radio frequency waves to detect the tiniest amounts of explosives inside laptops, backpacks, shoes, and vehicles, preempting major threats to the aviation industry and the general public. 

In 2017, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration found 198 prohibited items hidden in luggage. Also in 2017, the U.S. and UK banned large electronic devices in the cabins of airliners flying into their airports as part of enhanced security measures, and laptops were banned from carry-on luggage on several airlines.