Security solutions at swiss army logistics center

Case study

Security solutions at swiss army logistics center

High-precision scanning at security checkpoints without interrupting daily routines: the R&S®QPS201

The Swiss Army distribution center (AVC) in Uttigen, part of AFLO, ensures the Switzerland-wide supply and return of a large variety of ammunition and explosives for the army, police, border guards and numerous rifle clubs. Since the proper storage and distribution of ammunition is a matter of public safety, the AVC therefore applies the highest standard practices for the management, security and storage of ammunition stocks.

The exit points at the AVC are among the most vulnerable to loss. Reliable scanning of staff and visitors will help reduce inconsistencies in the return of and thereby the loss of ammunition and explosives.
A new safety concept with a completely new entrance and exit inspection started at the beginning of this year, procured by armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement.
A modern, safe and cost-optimized solution was envisioned that allows relevant objects to be detected without requiring an excessive number of personnel (military police) at checkpoints. Relevant objects include handgun ammunition - even a single 4.5mm bullet - and non-metallic objects such as explosives.

Rohde & Schwarz solution

The R&S®QPS201 security scanner is in use at security screening operations around the world and deployed at security checkpoints in airports, correctional facilities, industry/asset protection facilities, military compounds and other facilities. The R&S®QPS201 quickly screens subjects using safe mmWave radio frequency technology and advanced artificial intelligence methods to rapidly, accurately and automatically detect concealed objects made of any material.

The R&S®QPS201 is in daily use and can handle days on end of maximum throughput. Since the personnel returning ammunition appear in combat uniform, including equipment, certain preparatory measures had to be taken to optimize the process, which is similar to a check-in at the airport, except that the soldiers are also scanned when they check out. The system delivers a high-precision and efficient security check while ensuring an unobtrusive, safe and uncomplicated experience for scanned persons.

It consists of two flat panels with thousands of transmitters and receivers that use extremely low-power millimeterwaves to gain high-resolution 3D information.

The R&S®QPS201 in use on site

The R&S®QPS201 in use on site

Results and achievements

Alain Weibel

Alain Weibel, Director, AVC Uttigen

“The R&S®QPS201 security scanner from Rohde & Schwarz is the perfect fit for our new security checkpoint. It detects the wanted objects (ammunition and explosives) with precision and meets our needs perfectly.”

Rohde & Schwarz offered AFLO the tried and tested R&S®QPS201 security scanner via armasuisse. The scanner beat international competition and, after extensive testing, AFLO selected it due to its detection accuracy, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

AFLO's requirements were to monitor personnel and identify those trying to smuggle objects out of the building without interrupting daily routines. The security scanner’s ability to detect all types of ammunition and explosives was highlighted as the most important feature.

The R&S®QPS201 demonstrated a very high detection rate and low false alarm rate for metallic and non-metallic objects. The security scanner is able to objects as small as a single bullet hidden on a person with a very high success rate.

On top of this, Rohde & Schwarz security scanners have low operational and service costs. They are easy to install and do not block exits in case of an emergency since people can easily pass through the scanners.

Featured security screening content

simple open design

AppCard: Simple open design

The R&S®QPS improves the security screening experience and operations by having a simple open design for a spacious screening environment and unobstructed view for security personnel, making high-resolution people screening more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

Download now

fast, high resolution screening

AppCard: Fast, high-resolution screening

The R&S®QPS millimeterwave personnel scanning system delivers the most accurate measurement results in 2.5 s.

Download now

Safe, high resolution frequency security screening

AppCard: Safe, high resolution radio frequency security screening

Utilizing safe millimeterwave radio frequency technology, R&S®QPS security scanners automatically and safely detect potentially dangerous person-borne threats and contraband.

Download now

Security through technology

AppCard: Security through technology

R&S®QPS security scanners at airports, borders, high-security facilities and in other environments ensure a balance between security effectiveness and respect for the privacy of individuals being screened.

Download now

Designed to preserve privacy

AppCard: Designed to preserve privacy

R&S®QPS security scanners at airports, borders, high-security facilities and in other environments ensure a balance between security effectiveness and respect for the privacy of individuals being screened.

Download now

Reliable service network

Reliable service network

Especially when an extremely high level of system dependability is required, the service level agreements pay off. Benefit from a long-term, trusting partnership – a partnership you can rely on.

Download brochure