Remote Air Sampling for Canine Olfaction (RASCO) technology is a non-intrusive way to screen the cargo hold of an airplane for explosives, by extracting a small sample of the air and presenting it to a trained Explosive Detection Dog (EDD). The EDD is trained to detect specific odors associated with different types of explosives, so it can alert the handler if it detects any suspicious scents in the air sample.
RASCO technology is a promising approach for air cargo screening, as it allows for the detection of hidden explosives without the need for manual inspection of the cargo. This can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with cargo screening, while also reducing the risk of damage to the cargo or potential injury to the inspection team.
It is considered as a valuable tool to enhance the security of air travel, and it is especially important in cases where the cargo manifest or the source of the cargo is not fully known. RASCO technology can be used as an additional screening method alongside other screening techniques like X-ray, CT scanning, etc.
It is also important to note that, EDDs are not infallible and can make mistakes, just like humans. They are not capable of detecting every possible explosive and they can be affected by the environment like any other living being. It is considered as an additional screening tool rather than the sole screening method.