Abstract: A system for simulating X-ray scanners includes a first memory for storing a database of component X-ray images, a second memory for storing an instruction set and respective relative opacities of the stored component images, and a computer coupled to the first and second memories and responsive to the stored instruction set for creating composite X-ray images from the stored component images. A display is coupled to the computer for displaying at least one of the composite X-ray images as a displayed image. A data entry keyboard is coupled to the computer to permit data to be entered thereto in accordance with the stored instruction set. A selection device is coupled to the computer for comparing the selected component image with a subset of the stored component images representing hazardous objects so as to determine whether the selected component image matches one of the component images in the subset.