Smiths Detection awarded $23 million U.S. Government contract for mobile high-energy x-ray systems

HCV Mobile II Truck to Provide Security Scanning Solution to Various U.S. Ports

Pine Brook, NJ, April 6. 2006 - Smiths Detection, a world leading provider of X-ray and trace detection systems, today announced it has been awarded a $23 million U.S. Government contract for HCV Mobile II trucks, high-energy mobile cargo screening systems that will be deployed to several strategic ports throughout the country.

“The HCV Mobile II adds a unique, flexible layer of security in our nation’s fight against terrorism,” said Chérif Rizkalla, President of Smiths Detection, Americas. “This state-of-the-art mobile detection system significantly increases the ability to secure the nation’s ports by rapidly assisting in the identification of potentially lethal and illegal shipments.”

The HCV Mobile II is a second generation system that meets all U.S highway standards and can be driven from one port to another at normal freeway speeds. A key feature of the HCV Mobile II system is its ability to generate high-resolution images of a container’s contents. The images are further enhanced through proprietary software designed to assist in the identification of contraband. Systems can also be deployed with integrated radiation detection capability.

Assembled in America on an International Truck chassis, the 3.8 MeV system generates high-energy X-rays that can penetrate more than 10.5 inches of steel with the significant added advantages of mobility and radiation detection capabilities. Detection of radioactive material in trucks and container loads is an innovative feature added to the HCV Mobile II to bypass inefficient cargo unloading and inspection.


HCV Mobile II Feature Highlights

  • High energy mobile X-ray scanner with integrated radiation detection capabilities (meeting ANSI requirements)
  • Combines multi-threat detection with a single scan
  • 100 percent mobile, enabling rapid responses and random inspections
  • Autonomous system which requires no external infrastructure
  • High inspection speed results in a higher traffic flow
  • Able to travel on conventional roads at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour
  • Small footprint
  • Easy and rapid process requiring few staff; 30-minute set up time



About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection North America, based in New Jersey, is part of Smiths Detection, which is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband, plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturing industries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimann x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers in homeland security and defense markets worldwide.


Media Contacts:

David Olsen
Coltrin & Associates
212-221-1616 ext. 118
David_Olsen@Coltrin.com

Susan Cooper-Curcio
Smiths Detection
973-830-2131
susan.cooper@smithsdetection.com