Smiths Detection Protects Nation’s Capital with Advanced Carry-on Baggage Screening in Area’s Three Major Airports

Passenger Security Checkpoints at Dulles, Reagan National and BWI Upgraded with New aTiX Systems

Pine Brook, NJ, 15 July 2008 - Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced installation of its new Advanced Threat Identification X-ray (aTiX) systems in all three major Washington D.C. area airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has upgraded security checkpoints at Washington Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Reagan National Airports (DCA) with the sophisticated systems that provide more detailed analysis of carry-on baggage.

Unlike conventional X-ray systems, aTiX captures multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep. The system also includes powerful software algorithms which help the operator to detect potentially harmful items. This software can be easily upgraded to detect evolving threats.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “aTiX technology represents a major advance in checkpoint security, bringing greater threat detection accuracy while potentially reducing wait times for passengers. The systems have already proved very successful in UK airports.”

The TSA also recently completed airport upgrades to aTiX at Albuquerque and Denver International airports.

Mark Laustra, Vice President of Homeland Security for Smiths Detection, said: “We are proud to be protecting the nation’s capital with our innovative security checkpoint system.”

Smiths Detection is the world’s leading provider of threat detection systems with multiple technologies deployed at nearly 80% percent of the world’s commercial airports.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann X-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. A world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

Media Contacts:
David Olsen
Coltrin & Associates for Smiths Detection
212-221-1616 ext. 118
David_Olsen@Coltrin.com

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